‘Been through hell’: SA family’s emotional return to Adelaide after being trapped in Gaza war zone

A northern suburbs family of four, including two children, trapped in Gaza for three weeks has made it safely home to Adelaide.

Emotions spilled over as an Adelaide family was reunited with loved ones after managing to escape war-torn Gaza.

The family of four, who asked not to be identified for fears over their safety, arrived back at Adelaide Airport on Saturday evening.

There they were met by more than 20 family members and friends, sharing warm embraces and plenty of tears, as relief washed over them following their three-week ordeal.

“I’m very tired and very exhausted,” said the Adelaide man in a brief statement at the international arrivals gate.

“It’s been a very intricate pursuit and we’re extremely thankful it worked out eventually.”

BREAKING: There have been emotional scenes at Adelaide Airport after a family of four landed on home soil after escaping war-torn Gaza. 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfGh39Y#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/utDEoowMn0

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) November 4, 2023

The Adelaide man and his wife and two children, aged 10 and 7, were on a four-week holiday visiting relatives in Gaza when the Israel-Gaza war escalated last month.

They were among a group of Australians and other foreigners who were able to leave Gaza across the Rafah border crossing – the sole crossing point between Egypt and Palestine’s Gaza Strip – which finally opened to civilians this week for the first time since the war started.

They had previously tried to leave several times, waiting for hours, but were unable to cross into Egypt.

The Adelaide man said the family wanted to thank Foreign Minister Penny Wong and DFAT for their “relentless efforts” to get them home.

“Everyone we met or talked to on the phone was very patient, supportive, compassionate and attentive,” he said.

“Last but not least, we’d like to thank everyone who has advocated on our behalf over the past few weeks.

“Indeed every Australian who has … felt our pain and wanted to see a happy ending to our ordeal. To all these people, we say thank you so much for your support and love.”

A South Australian family who escaped from Gaza arrives home at Adelaide Airport. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The family’s spokeswoman, Alison Battisson, said they had survived a trying ordeal.

“This family has been through hell, like so many other innocents,” said Ms Battisson, founder of Human Rights for All.

“Tragically, their experience is not unique. Around the world conflict rages and the people who suffer the most are the innocents and civilians, the families.

“This family asks very simply that you extend the same charity that has been extended to them.

“Reaching out to people that may be suffering, reach out with consideration and an open heart, and start a conversation based on common ground.”

One of the family’s close friends who welcomed them at the airport said they were extremely relieved to have them home.

“It wasn’t easy, everyone was very worried,” said the man, who didn’t want to be named.

“After everything that they’ve been through, it’s wonderful to have them back home.”

DFAT staff met the Adelaide family, who were among 23 Australian passport holders, as they crossed the border to Cairo and organised flights back to home soil for the group.

Rescued citizens were examined by medics before being loaded on to a bus, headed to Cairo, Egypt.

On Thursday, the father told The Advertiser from the safety of Cairo that they couldn’t wait to get home to Adelaide.

“The ride on the bus was extremely long and exhausting,” he said.

“I have mixed feelings – on the one hand I’m relieved that my small family are now safe. “And, while I’m looking forward to resuming our normal life in Adelaide, I’m absolutely worried about my friends and bigger family including parents, siblings, and siblings’ families.

Originally published as ‘Been through hell’: SA family’s emotional return to Adelaide after being trapped in Gaza war zone