Aussies urged to flee Lebanon following death of Australian brothers

The Acting Foreign Affairs Minister has issues a stern warning for Australians in Lebanon following the death of two Australian-born brothers.

Australians have been urged to get out of Lebanon after two Australian-born brothers were killed and the terrorist organisation Hezbollah claimed one as among its fighters.

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Mark Dreyfus issued the warning on Thursday after two Australian citizens were killed in an air strike in Lebanon.

Lebanese media reported on Thursday that 30-year-old Ali Bazzi, his 27-year-old brother Ibrahim – both Australian – and the younger brother’s wife, Shourouk Hammoud, who recently acquired an Australian visa, were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strike.

Hezbollah then claimed Ali Bazzi as one of the group’s fighters, but did not mention his brother Ibrahim and there is no suggestion he had any links to the terror group.

Australian brothers Ibrahim and Ali Bazzi were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strike. Picture: ABC News

Ibrahim Bazzi (L) pictured with his wife, Shuruk Hamoud, who recently acquired an Australian visa. Picture: X

“With greater pride and pride, the Islamic Resistance celebrates the martyr Mujahid Ali Ahmed Bazzi ‘Qasim’ from the city of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, who rose as a martyr on the road to Jerusalem,” a statement from the terrorist organisation read.

According to local media, a ceremonial funeral service was held in Bint Jbeil for all three of the dead, including the two Australian men, with each person’s casket adorned in Hezbollah flags.

“We are aware of the announcement made by Hezbollah claiming links to one of the Australian skills,’’ Mr Dreyfus said at a press conference in Melbourne.

“We are seeking to establish the facts, however, Hezbollah is a listed terrorist organisation under Australian law.

“There is daily military activity in southern Lebanon, including rocket and missile fire as well as extracts.

“For Australians in Lebanon, we urge you to leave while commercial options remain available.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus urged Australians to leave Lebanon. Picture: NCA Newswire / Nicki Connolly

A funeral service was held in Bint Jbeil, in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel, on December 27. Picture: AFP

Family members have told the ABC that the Bazzi brothers had travelled to the city to collect his wife and return to settle in Australia.

Ibrahim Bazzi worked as an electrician and in construction in the St George area in Sydney’s south.

His Australian born brother Ali had moved to the region and married in the last few years.

“He went to get his wife from Lebanon for a better life … and then this happened,” his uncle, Mohamed Kahmees told the ABC

Mr Dreyfus said that any Australian caught supporting “let alone fighting” with the organisation risked serious penalties.

“I repeat, because Hezbollah is a listed terrorist organisation, it is an offence for any Australian to provide financial support to that terrorist organisation, to fight with a terrorist organisation, or to be associated with it,’’ he said.

“Australians should not travel to Lebanon. Australians in particular should avoid conflict zones, southern Lebanon is a conflict zone.

“The Australian government urges any Australians who are still in Lebanon to leave while commercial options are available.”

Originally published as Aussies urged to flee Lebanon following death of Australian brothers