Continuing Evacuation Flights From Lebanon See Hundreds of Australians Arrive Safely

October 7, 2024 TruthUSA

The government and opposition have been advising citizens to evacuate from Lebanon for several months.

Almost 350 Australians escaping Lebanon have landed in Sydney on a government-assisted repatriation flight amidst the conflict in the Middle East.

This move comes as Israel initiates—what the White House describes as—“limited, targeted operations” against Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.

As of Oct. 8, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth stated that over 1,000 Australians had been assisted by the government to leave Beirut.

“But more than 3,000 individuals still wish to depart Lebanon. Hence, it is crucial for us to continue working on this, while keeping in mind the security situation and other factors,” she mentioned on the Today Show on Oct. 8.

About 3,700 Australians have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade indicating their desire to leave the distressed country.

Both the federal government and opposition have consistently advised Australians to exit the Middle East.

“It is crucial for them to seize the earliest opportunity available. We will keep on exerting efforts to aid Australians in leaving Beirut. Yet, we must consider the security circumstances and other factors,” stated Minister Rishworth.

Scenes of Jubilation

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her joy in welcoming back the 349 Australians.

“Today, another two assisted departure flights are departing Beirut Airport for Cyprus,” she announced.

“The government is committed to facilitating more Australians to exit Lebanon. Flights are subject to security and operational limitations.”

Wong reported on Oct. 8 that 311 Australians had left Beirut on a government-assisted flight overnight.

Australia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Andrew Barnes expressed gratitude towards all the personnel at Beirut airport.

“It was a heartwarming moment to provide a young girl with her first passport (and a koala!) at Beirut airport so she could board one of our assisted departure flights,” he stated on X.

Warnings Not Heeded

Opposition Foreign Affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham suggested that those who ignored advisories to leave Lebanon should bear their own expenses.

“Ultimately, they should be responsible for the costs of any repatriation and evacuation from Lebanon,” Birmingham expressed on Sky News Australia on Oct. 3.

Birmingham mentioned that the opposition and government were united in pushing for Australians to leave at the earliest opportunity.

“The warnings have been very clear, but unfortunately, many individuals chose to ignore them,” he said.

“They have done so for varying reasons, and they are entitled to. Yet, they should realize that there will be constraints on the Australian government’s ability to rescue them from a conflict zone.

On Oct. 4, Qantas confirmed that they would operate direct flights between Larnaca, Cyprus, and Sydney to assist Australians in returning from Lebanon free of charge.“

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Clare O’Neil expressed her emotions after witnessing families reunite.

“We are diligently working to aid Australians facing challenges there, and I would like to reiterate the government’s message that any Australians in Lebanon should leave now,” she mentioned on ABC on Oct. 8.

“There won’t be endless opportunities for government assistance to depart Lebanon, so I urge everyone there to register with DFAT (the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and take the first available flight offered to return home safely.”

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