Hundreds of Palestinians and Israelis with family connections to Australia granted visitor visas to flee the Hamas-Israel war
Australia approved 860 visas for Palestinians with relatives here between October 7 and November 20, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed.
National
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hundreds of Palestinians with family connections to Australia have been granted temporary visas to enter the country as they flee the Hamas-Israel war.
The Australian Government has approved 860 visas for Palestinians with relatives in Australia between October 7 and November 20, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed on Wednesday.
It is understood family members have been sponsoring applications for their relatives to flee the violence and come to Australia on visitor visas, which allow the Palestinians to remain for three to 12 months.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said over the same period since October 7, Australia had issued 1793 visas to Israeli citizens.
“There is obviously a lot of demand from those in the region for Australian visas, for people who are eligible.”
Ms Wong said people who obtain visas to Australia are “subject to appropriate security checks”.
Asked specifically if the government had ruled out “any connections to Hamas” among the Palestinians granted visas, Ms Wong said those applicants were required to meet the same standards as anyone else trying to come to Australia.
“These people have been subjected to the same security checks by Australian Border Force and authorities as you would expect any visa applicant would be required,” she said.
Ms Wong also confirmed 67 individuals, including Australians, permanent residents and their families, were able to cross the Palestinian border into Egypt at Rafah overnight on Wednesday.
“This is the second group to cross this week after we helped 31 people cross the border on Monday,” she said.
“They are supported by consular staff in Cairo.”
To date the government has assisted a total of 127 Australians, permanent residents and their families
“We would have wanted all Australians and permanent residents with innocent families to have been out within days, but we recognise that this is a very difficult situation,” she said.
“I have engaged not only with the United States, but also with Qatar and Egypt, in relation to the Rafah Crossing on more than one occasion and want to publicly again state thanks for their assistance in enabling this crossing.”
Ms Wong welcomed the temporary ceasefire deal brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt, including the release of 50 Israelis hostages held by Hamas since the terror attack on October 7.
“Details are still emerging, but if the deal holds it will see progress … with the release of 50 hostages and 300 aid trucks entering Gaza each day as well as a pause in fighting,” she said.
“This is, of course, an important and necessary step in what we must ultimately work towards is a long-term and enduring peace and again I reiterate that a long and enduring peace requires a two state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living securely in prosperously.”
Ms Wong said Australia has been working with countries that have “influence in the region” to help protect and support civilians and prevent the conflict from spreading further in the Middle East.
More Coverage
Originally published as Hundreds of Palestinians and Israelis with family connections to Australia granted visitor visas to flee the Hamas-Israel war
‘Genocide’: Shock protests amid royal visit
Protesters are gathering near a church in North Sydney where King Charles and Queen Camilla are attending a service.
King Charles reveals huge Pacific move
After touching down in Australia on his five-day tour, King Charles has announced a major commitment to Pacific nations to build a “brighter future for all”.