Travel advisory issued for Gaza amidst escalating Hamas-Israel conflict
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A worrying new development in the long-running conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas is prompting updated travel warnings for Australian tourists.
Hamas—which has struggled to govern Gaza and remains committed to resisting Israel—has recently launched hundreds of rockets into Israel.
Israel has responded with airstrikes on Gaza, which has prompted Hamas to threaten to kill hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they were 'at war', vowing that Hamas will 'pay an unprecedented price' for their latest offensive.
This eruption of violence has left hundreds dead so far.
For Aussies planning to travel to Israel, the smart move is to avoid going near conflict zones altogether. Smartraveller.gov.au, the government's travel advisory site, warns against visiting Gaza or areas near the Gaza border.
'There's ongoing armed conflict in Southern Israel and Gaza,' the warning reads.
'Rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza. There have been separate terror attacks on civilians. Do not travel to Gaza or areas near the border with Gaza due to ongoing armed conflict. The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country.'
'Authorities are also monitoring security on Israel's northern border and have asked residents of some towns to evacuate, including in Rosh Hanikra, Adamit, Bezet and Hanita.'
Stay informed through the National Emergency Portal is important if you're currently in Israel. For those in Gaza, it's advised to be vigilant about your surroundings and review your personal security plans.
In case of an emergency where you require consular assistance, you can reach out to +61 2 6261 3305.
However, it's important to note that the government may have limited capacity to assist in Gaza.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese provided an update regarding the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip. He mentioned that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officials have been working around the clock with Israeli counterparts to address the matter.
'We are in constant contact between Australian officials and Israeli officials,' he said.
'We don't have any further information to announce at this point in time. But obviously, we are concerned, as is the whole world.'
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong expressed Australia's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasising that both sides must prioritise the safety of civilians.
'We've said Israel has a right to defend itself (and) we call for all hostages to be released,' she said.
'But we also have a principle position which we would advocate to all nations and all groups and all situations, which is we would urge for the protection of civilian lives and restraint.'
She continued: 'I think Australia should always, in any conflict, be saying we want civilian lives to (be) protected, and that is what I have advocated.'
Despite facing criticism, including from the opposition, for her call for 'restraint,' Senator Wong maintained her position, questioning, 'What's the alternative to Australia urging restraint and the protection of civilian lives?'
She acknowledged that the recent events are an escalation of a long-standing dispute but firmly asserted that nothing justifies the violence, hostage-taking, killing of civilians, and other distressing incidents witnessed during the conflict.
The official also mentioned that efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of Australians in Israel. As of now, there are no reports of Australians being injured or hospitalised.
Nevertheless, she strongly encourages Australians still in Israel to contact their families if they haven't already done so. Officials are actively working to confirm the status of Australians in the affected areas.
While the situation remains unstable, Australian authorities are watching things closely. Stay tuned to official government travel advisories for updates.
What are your thoughts on this news, members? Let us know in the comments below.
Hamas—which has struggled to govern Gaza and remains committed to resisting Israel—has recently launched hundreds of rockets into Israel.
Israel has responded with airstrikes on Gaza, which has prompted Hamas to threaten to kill hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they were 'at war', vowing that Hamas will 'pay an unprecedented price' for their latest offensive.
This eruption of violence has left hundreds dead so far.
For Aussies planning to travel to Israel, the smart move is to avoid going near conflict zones altogether. Smartraveller.gov.au, the government's travel advisory site, warns against visiting Gaza or areas near the Gaza border.
Intensifying conflict in the Middle East has prompted Australia to scale up its travel advice. Credit: CNN.
'There's ongoing armed conflict in Southern Israel and Gaza,' the warning reads.
'Rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza. There have been separate terror attacks on civilians. Do not travel to Gaza or areas near the border with Gaza due to ongoing armed conflict. The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country.'
'Authorities are also monitoring security on Israel's northern border and have asked residents of some towns to evacuate, including in Rosh Hanikra, Adamit, Bezet and Hanita.'
Stay informed through the National Emergency Portal is important if you're currently in Israel. For those in Gaza, it's advised to be vigilant about your surroundings and review your personal security plans.
In case of an emergency where you require consular assistance, you can reach out to +61 2 6261 3305.
However, it's important to note that the government may have limited capacity to assist in Gaza.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese provided an update regarding the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip. He mentioned that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officials have been working around the clock with Israeli counterparts to address the matter.
'We are in constant contact between Australian officials and Israeli officials,' he said.
'We don't have any further information to announce at this point in time. But obviously, we are concerned, as is the whole world.'
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong expressed Australia's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasising that both sides must prioritise the safety of civilians.
'We've said Israel has a right to defend itself (and) we call for all hostages to be released,' she said.
'But we also have a principle position which we would advocate to all nations and all groups and all situations, which is we would urge for the protection of civilian lives and restraint.'
She continued: 'I think Australia should always, in any conflict, be saying we want civilian lives to (be) protected, and that is what I have advocated.'
Despite facing criticism, including from the opposition, for her call for 'restraint,' Senator Wong maintained her position, questioning, 'What's the alternative to Australia urging restraint and the protection of civilian lives?'
She acknowledged that the recent events are an escalation of a long-standing dispute but firmly asserted that nothing justifies the violence, hostage-taking, killing of civilians, and other distressing incidents witnessed during the conflict.
The official also mentioned that efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of Australians in Israel. As of now, there are no reports of Australians being injured or hospitalised.
Nevertheless, she strongly encourages Australians still in Israel to contact their families if they haven't already done so. Officials are actively working to confirm the status of Australians in the affected areas.
While the situation remains unstable, Australian authorities are watching things closely. Stay tuned to official government travel advisories for updates.
What are your thoughts on this news, members? Let us know in the comments below.
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It’s heart wrenching 
