Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Smith for her question. I know so many Australians are deeply concerned over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We welcome the statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office following President Biden's request that Israel will not prevent humanitarian assistance entering Gaza from Egypt. We welcome the United States commitment to provide $100 million in humanitarian support, and we understand large-scale international humanitarian aid is on standby at the Rafah border crossing ready for distribution once the border is open. This includes the supplies that our trusted partners, such as UNICEF, have been able to ready thanks to Australia's initial $10 million humanitarian commitment. I would also like to acknowledge the generous contribution from the Minderoo Foundation, pledged by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, who have committed a matching donation of $10 million in humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

The government is deeply concerned by violent protests across the Middle East, including in Lebanon. I want to be very clear that the government has serious concerns for the security situation in Lebanon. To Australians in Lebanon: please, please know that we have today upgraded Australia's travel advice for Lebanon to level 4—Do not travel. This means that, if you are an Australian in Lebanon, you should consider leaving now if it is safe to do so. I repeat: if you are an Australian in Lebanon, you should consider leaving now if it is safe to do so. Commercial departure options remain available, but this may change with little notice during a crisis. Again, I encourage people to monitor the Smartraveller website for the latest advice.