Australians Urged to Leave Israel and Gaza Amid Escalating Conflict

Objects in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Jerusalem, on April 14, 2024. Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

Australians have been urged to leave Israel and Gaza if it is safe to do so amid widening conflict in the Middle East and recent explosions in Iran.

U.S. officials have confirmed that Israel has launched a military strike against Iran in response to Iran’s missile and drone attack against Israel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Smartraveller page posted to X that there had been reports of explosions across some locations in the Middle East.

“The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little notice,” the warning stated.

“There may also be airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions. In an attack or other armed conflict, you should follow the advice of local authorities.”

In a separate post, the Australian government warned of a “high threat” of military reprisals and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region.

“The security situation could deteriorate quickly. We urge Australians in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to depart if it’s safe to do so,” the department warned via Smartraveller. 

“Authorities warned military attacks may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions.

“Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns at any time, and at short notice. Follow advice of local authorities and monitor local media.”

US Confirms Israel Strikes Iran As Conflict Escalates

U.S. officials have told CBS News that an Israeli missile struck Iran. However, they did not provide details of the location or level of destruction.

Only hours before the attack, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Iran’s response would be “immediate and at maximum level” if Israel strikes.

“If the Israeli regime commits the grave error once again our response will be decisive, definitive, and regretful for them,” he said on CNN.

On April 18, the Biden administration advised of a new round of sanctions on Iran, following its missile and drone attack against Israel.

This follows the Iranian government launching a missile and drone attack against Israel in response to an airstrike on April 1 on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria.

“Less than a week ago, Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel,” President Biden said on April 18.

“Together with our allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. We helped defeat this attack. And today, we are holding Iran accountable—imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran.”

The U.S. Treasury advised of sanctions against 16 Iranians and two entities linked to Iran’s drone programs.