Opposition Urges Vigilance: Demand for Thorough Screening of Repatriated Individuals

Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, believes that increasing the intake of individuals from Gaza on repatriation flights is not in Australia’s best interest at the moment. He expressed concerns about the need to vet these individuals before allowing them into the country. The federal government is currently operating multiple flights out of Israel and is working with international partners to establish a humanitarian corridor out of Gaza. As of now, there are over 79 Australian residents, including citizens and permanent residents, in Gaza. Mr. Dutton cautioned against repatriating individuals from a war-torn environment without certainty about their identities. He compared the situation to the scenes in Afghanistan, where people were clinging onto aircrafts to escape Kabul. He mentioned that Afghans who were repatriated to Australia were screened beforehand due to their assistance to Australia’s campaign in Afghanistan. Opposition Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Birmingham, called for the Australian Prime Minister, Mr. Albanese, to visit Israel on his way back from the United States to show support and solidarity. The lack of contact from Australia and the prime minister’s request to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew surprised reactions from Mr. Dutton, who highlighted that few world leaders have not reached out to provide support to Israel. Additionally, Mr. Albanese’s past involvement with the Parliamentary Friend of Palestine and attendance at a pro-Palestine event earlier in his career have come to light. The Albanese government also announced $5 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza at a joint press conference with President Joe Biden.



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