FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Australia’s government is assisting nearly 2,000 citizens seeking to leave the Middle East as tensions in the region escalate, officials said Wednesday.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that more than 1,000 Australians in Israel and 870 in Iran have registered for help with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“We are working very closely with those citizens through DFAT and are monitoring developments in the ongoing conflict,” Chalmers told ABC Radio.
The government’s immediate priority is ensuring the safety of its nationals, he said, adding, “Our major focus is on the human cost of this escalating conflict.”
As of Monday, 350 Australians in Iran and 300 in Israel had formally notified DFAT of their desire to leave.
Minister for Defense Industry Pat Conroy said Tuesday that evacuation plans are in development. Officials are preparing to secure transportation once airspace restrictions ease, either through government-led evacuations or commercial flights.