Australia Sends Military Transport Planes and Personnel to the Middle East
Additional Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and two aircraft have been deployed by the federal government to the Middle East in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ADF personnel deployed are from Townsville and Brisbane, while the two Royal Australian Air Force C-130J aircraft deployed are from Sydney. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that the deployment is to support Australian populations in the Middle East and to be prepared for potential evacuations if required. The Australian government has also provided $10 million in humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs in Gaza. The conflict between Israel and Hamas is still in its early stages, according to ADF Chief General Angus Campbell, and the duration of Australian personnel’s presence in the region is uncertain. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for humanitarian pauses in Gaza to provide essential assistance and ensure the safety of civilians. The government is also considering options to assist Australians who want to leave Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
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