More than 800 Palestinians have been granted Australian visas since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas, foreign minister Penny Wong has confirmed.
Speaking hours after news of a ceasefire deal between the warring parties was announced, which Wong welcomed, the foreign minister confirmed hundreds of Palestinians have been granted permission to enter Australia, although pointed out far more Israelis have been granted visas.
“Over the same period, between October 7 and a couple of days ago, we had 1793 visas issued to Israeli citizens,” she said.
“So there is obviously a lot of demand from those in the region for Australian visas, for people who are eligible.”
She emphasised that everyone who has been granted a visa has been vetted by security agencies.
“People who obtain Australian visas are subject to appropriate security checks,” Wong said.
Wong also confirmed 67 Australian citizens, permanent residents and family members were allowed to leave Gaza and enter Egypt via the Rafah border crossing overnight.
“This is the second group to cross this week after we helped 31 people cross the border on Monday,” the foreign minister said.
“They are supported by consular staff in Cairo.
“To date we have so far facilitated the departure of a total of 127 Australians, permanent residents and their families.”
Wong also praised the news of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that will see at least 50 hostages released by the Gazan militant group and the passage of 300 aid trucks into the war-torn enclave each day.
“This is an important and necessary step,” she said.
“But what we must ultimately work towards is a long-term enduring peace.
“And again, I reiterate that a long-term enduring peace requires a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living securely in prosperously within internationally recognised borders.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed the 860 Palestinians granted temporary Australian visas since the outbreak of Israel’s war with Hamas were subject to “appropriate security checks.”
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday after reports first emerged about the visas, Senator Wong explained there was “a lot of demand” from those in the region to secure passage to Australia in order to escape the conflict.
“Over the same period, I think between the 7th of October and a couple of days ago, we had 1793 visas issued to Israeli citizens (as well as those from Palestine),” she said.
“Obviously there was a lot of demand from those in the region for Australian visas for the people who are eligible.
“People who obtain visas to Australia are subject to appropriate security checks.”
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed to SkyNews.com.au that 860 Palestinians had been granted temporary visas between October 7 and November 20, following a report by the ABC which claimed they would be allowed to remain in the country between three and 12 months.
Senator Wong did not provide further detail on the status of those granted a visa, but it is understood that many have yet to arrive in Australia due to difficulties in fleeing the conflict in Gaza.
However, that could change in the coming days as Israel announced it had agreed to a four-day ceasefire with Hamas in exchange for the release of 50 hostages held in the strip by the militant group.
The pause in fighting was welcomed by the Foreign Minister, who said it represented “progress” toward the goals Australia had hoped might be achieved in the coming weeks and months.
“Australia has consistently called for the release of hostages, for humanitarian access and for the protection of civilian lives,” she said.
“We have also said that we want to see the next steps toward a sustainable ceasefire, but that it could not be one-sided.
“What we see today is progress towards each of these goals and we welcome it.”
Despite this, Senator Wong cautioned that the only long-term solution to the conflict remained a negotiated two-state solution “with Israelis and Palestinians living securely and prosperously within internationally recognised borders.”
While the breakthrough ceasefire was welcomed by observers, it is unclear how stable it will prove to be and it remains uncertain whether Israel remains committed to negotiating with the Palestinian Authority.
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has in past indicated his country would maintain authority in Gaza “the foreseeable future,” and has yet to offer any indications as to when or how talks over a two-state solution may play out.
Instead, Israel’s Prime Minister insists the nation’s priority remains the complete elimination of Hamas and the release of all hostages to ensure its citizens long-term safety.
