One of two Australian men killed in Lebanon by air strike linked to Hezbollah, reports claim

Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah claims an Australian man killed by an air strike in southern Lebanon fought for the terrorist organisation.

Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah claims one of two Australian men killed by an air strike in southern Lebanon was one of its fighters.

Ali Bazzi, 30, was killed after a suspected Israeli air strike hit a two-storey building in the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Tuesday.

Local media reported that three people – Mr Bazzi, his brother, Sydney man Ibrahim Bazzi, and his wife Shorouq Hammoud – died in the attack.

Pictures from a funeral service held for all three individuals on Wednesday show each person’s casket adorned in Hezbollah flags.

A funeral for the brothers and Ms Hammoud was held on Wednesday. Picture: AFP.

The group has not claimed that Ibrahim or his wife were fighters with the group.

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Mark Dreyfus said he was aware the group’s claims and said that any Australian citizen found to be supporting a listed terrorist organisation was committing a serious offence.

“We are seeking to establish the facts,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“It’s an offence for any Australian to corporate with, to support or let alone to fight with a listed terrorist organisation like Hezbollah. We will continue to make inquiries about this particular person with whom Hezbollah has claimed links.”

Ibrahim and Ali Bazzi, killed in Lebanon airstrike. Picture: ABC News

The Attorney-General said the government held serious concerns that conflict from the Israel-Gaza war could spread into the Middle East and urged any Australians who are still in Lebanon to leave while commercial options were still available.

“There has been a travel warning not to travel to Lebanon since mid-October. It remains in place – Australian’s should not travel to Lebanon,” Mr Dreyfus said.

Mr Dreyfus confirmed that the Australian government was in communication with Israeli officials but refused to disclose the nature of the discussions.

Southern Lebanon, which nears the border with Israel, has faced Israeli bombardment as cross-border fighting continues. Picture: AFP.

On Wednesday, an Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman confirmed on the department was investigating reports that two Australian citizens had died in Lebanon and was providing consular assistance to the families.

“DFAT is aware of reports an Australian citizen has died in Lebanon and is seeking confirmation,” a spokesman said.

According to AFP reports, Ibrahim recently left Sydney for Southern Lebanon to visit his wife, who recently obtained an Australian visa.

Cross-border attacks have increased since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Picture: AFP.

Speaking to the ABC on Wednesday, family members said the couple planned on returning to Australia.

“He (Ibrahim) went to get his wife from ­Lebanon for a better life … and then this happened. I’m really in a state of shock still,” the brothers’ uncle, Mohamed Kahmees, told media.

He described Ibrahim as a “beautiful boy”.

Ms Hammoud’s first cousin, Sydney man Mohamed Hammoud, told the ABC that the family was devastated.

“My family is numb. My family is devastated. My family is in disbelief,” Mr Hammoud said.

Mourners carry the coffin of Shorouq Hammoud. Picture: AFP.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said the circumstances in which Mr Bazzi chose to enter Lebanon were “very concerning”.

“We don’t know the full details of what actually occurred and what level of involvement these individuals had with the conflict,” she said.

“I think it’s going to have to come out over time, but right now, obviously, families have lost loved ones and our sympathies are with them.”

The reports come amid increased violence on the Israel-Lebanon border, with back-and-forth air strikes escalating in the months following Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7.

Australia escalated its travel guidance to Lebanon in October, advising travellers to avoid the region, citing the “volatile security situation”.