The Australian government has issued hundreds of temporary visas to desperate Palestinians in recent weeks as Israel continues its bombing of Gaza, but Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the situation remains “very difficult”.
Between October 7 and November 20, 860 visas were approved by the Home Office for Palestinians with connections to Australia.
However, only a small number of those with approved visas have been able to leave the war zone.
Ms Wong confirmed that 67 people – including Australians, permanent residents and their families – entered Egypt through the Rafah border crossing overnight.
The Australian government approved 860 visas for Palestinians between October 7 and November 20 (photo, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)
“This is the second group to cross the border this week, after we helped 31 people cross the border on Monday,” she told reporters on Wednesday.
‘They are supported by consular staff in Cairo.
“To date, we have facilitated the departure of a total of 127 Australians, permanent residents and their families.
“We wish all Australians and permanent residents with innocent families could have left within days, but we recognize this is a very difficult situation.
“I have been in contact on more than one occasion with the United States, as well as with Qatar and Egypt, regarding the Rafah crossing, and I would like to once again publicly express my gratitude for their assistance in making this crossing possible.”
Opposition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan slammed the government for not openly telling Australians about the visa scheme.
“The government needs to come out, be transparent and let us know what processes have been undertaken, on what basis the visa has been granted and what security checks are being carried out,” he told Sky.
“The only thing we learn is through the media and we need transparency.”
Ms Wong said people obtaining Australian visas were subject to appropriate security checks.
“These people have been subjected to the same security checks by Australian Border Patrol and authorities as you would expect of any visa applicant,” she said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that 67 people, including Australians, permanent residents and their families, entered Egypt safely overnight
The Israeli attacks on Gaza came after Hamas killed hundreds of civilians and kidnapped others on October 7.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on a four-day humanitarian pause in exchange for the release of 50 hostages in Gaza, as well as some Palestinians held in Israel.
“The agreement includes the release of fifty civilian women and children currently held in the Gaza Strip, in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons; the number of them released will be increased in later phases of the implementation. the agreement,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Ms Wong said the four-day ceasefire was an “important and necessary step”, and that ultimately everyone should work towards a “long-term, sustainable peace”.
“Australia has consistently called for the release of hostages, for humanitarian access and for the protection of civilian lives,” she said.
“We also said that we want to see the next steps towards a lasting ceasefire, but that this cannot be one-sided.”
When asked specifically if she would like to see a continued ceasefire, Ms Wong said she wanted a “sustainable ceasefire”.
Ms Wong (above) said Australia wants to see a ‘lasting ceasefire’ between Hamas and the Israeli government
“I think we all want to see a lasting ceasefire and we also know that they cannot be one-sided,” she said.
“We recognize that the steps taken today with this negotiated agreement are progress toward these goals.
“We remain deeply concerned about the loss of civilian life and I know many Australians are deeply concerned about the loss of civilian life.
“People are alarmed by Hamas’ horrific attack.
“People want hostages released and people are saddened by the loss of civilian life over the period that we have seen in recent weeks.”