JERUSALEM, 2025-06-18
Stranded Australians Face Uncertainty
As conflict escalates between Israel and Iran, nearly 2,000 Australians are trying to leave the affected areas, facing grounded flights and border challenges.
- Almost 2,000 Australians are seeking to escape the conflict zones.
- Flights are grounded, and land routes are risky.
- australian authorities are working on evacuation plans.
With airstrikes exchanged between Israel and Iran,many Australians are caught in the crossfire,with travel plans disrupted and safety concerns rising. Melbourne lawyer Leon Zwier‘s routine in Jerusalem has become a study in contrasts-peaceful mornings contrasted by perilous nights.
Zwier arrived in Israel for a conference shortly before the conflict flared up last week. His scheduled departure on Friday is now in doubt, as planes are grounded across Israel. The situation has left nearly 2,000 Australians stranded, desperately trying to leave the conflict zones as airports and embassies face closures.
As of Wednesday morning, 872 Australians registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) for assistance to leave Iran, with 1,027 in Israel doing the same.Options are limited; some have been advised to use the land border with Jordan. This 2.5-hour journey by car is risky because of potential airspace closures in Jordan.
A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the safety of Australians is the priority, adding that Dfat is developing a plan for assisted departures “via land and air when it is safe to do so.” Wong expressed concern about “regional escalation” in the Middle East and urged Iran to seek a peaceful resolution.
Zwier, along with other Australians, remains in a precarious situation. Bombs have been falling in Jerusalem after dark, prompting him to spend his mornings walking the city’s quieter streets.
“Every day I get up… I go for a walk to the market, and it reminds me very much like Covid because it’s only the shopkeepers that are open,” Zwier said.
Zwier buys nuts, orange juice, fresh bread, and coffee during these walks, socializing and taking selfies with the shop owners.The atmosphere shifts dramatically at night.
“At night, that’s when the risk emerges,” he said. “We’re far more cautious than during the day.
“The attacks [from Iranian missiles] are obviously directed into a civilian population and not at military targets, which means that everyone’s wary of the risk.”
israeli airstrikes have killed at least 224 people and injured over 1,400 since Friday’s surprise attack on Tehran, according to Iran’s health ministry. In Israel, the death toll after four days reached 24, with around 600 injured.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that Iran launched 370 missiles in eight attacks from a U.S.-estimated arsenal of 3,000 ballistic missiles. The IDF claims to have destroyed 200 of Iran’s missile launchers.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Zwier feels “no risk at all” due to adhering to protocols, heeding warnings, and seeking shelter in bunkers during sirens.
Inside the bunkers, Zwier describes a “very unusual atmosphere.” “We talk to complete strangers, and thay talk to us, and you have this sort of bond from being together in the bunker.
“Everyone in Israel understands this is a heavy price you pay when you have a Hitler-like bad rogue state actor who wants to annihilate the Jewish state.
“There’s a sense of cautious optimism in Israel.”
‘It’s never felt so direct’
Emily Gian, a Jewish Australian, lives near Tel Aviv with her Israeli husband and their three children, who describes the last few days as “really intense” and unlike anything they’ve experienced as moving to Israel in July 2023.
“I even asked my husband and his mum the other day, ‘Is this the worst that things have ever been? Is this the scariest the situation’s ever been?'” she says.
“They said that this is definitely like the scariest or the most scared they’ve ever felt.
“It’s never felt so direct … it’s just the random nature of it all as well, that last night [an airstrike] was there, and tonight it might very well be us.”
Gian likens the situation to the Covid lockdown, where streets are largely empty, and her children attend school via Zoom. shopping trips are rapid, with sirens signaling the need for immediate bunker shelter.
Despite the risks, Gian and her family are not considering a return to australia.
“Our whole lives are here, so it’d just be very hard to pack up and go [back to Australia] again.
“There’s no flights out – and we’re not going anyway – but certainly for us, it wouldn’t be an option to get dropped at the border at Jordan. So I’d prefer to stay.”
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, it’s critical for Australians caught in the conflict to take immediate steps to ensure their safety. The Australian government is working to assist citizens, but individuals must also take proactive measures. This includes registering wiht DFAT and staying informed about the latest developments.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) plays a crucial role in supporting Australians during international crises. Registering with DFAT is the first step.It allows the Australian government to better assist individuals in need of help. The facts provided helps DFAT locate and communicate with citizens. DFAT can also provide updates on evacuation plans.
Update: DFAT is urging Australians to stay away from border areas that are experiencing hostilities. The situation is extremely volatile. individuals are encouraged to check official government travel advisories before attempting to leave or move around.
Essential Steps for Australians in Conflict Zones
- Register with DFAT: Ensure your presence is known to the Australian government.
- Monitor Official Advice: Continuously check DFAT’s Smartraveller website for updates.
- secure Important Documents: keep passports, visas, and other essential documents accessible. Make digital copies and store them securely.
- Plan for Evacuation: Be prepared for sudden departures. Have an emergency kit ready.
- Stay in Contact: Maintain dialog with family and friends outside of the affected areas.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Stay informed about local conditions, curfews, and safety protocols.
Planning for the unexpected is key. Travel insurance is a must. Regrettably, standard policies may not cover events in active conflict zones. Evaluate your policy carefully, and understand the limitations. Emergency funds are essential to have on hand to manage unforeseen expenses.
Many Australians are experiencing important disruption to their travel plans. Flights might potentially be canceled or delayed. Airports may be closed. Travel insurance providers should offer assistance.Travelers need to proactively contact their insurers to understand their coverage and the steps to begin a claim. The availability of ground transportation can be affected to. Therefore, it is important to plan for choice routes and have a contingency plan in place.
First-Hand Perspectives: Staying or Leaving?
The decision to stay or go is deeply personal. for dual citizens like Emily Gian, family, community, and the practicalities of travel heavily influence this choice. “There’s no flights out – and we’re not going anyway – but certainly for us, it wouldn’t be an option to get dropped at the border at Jordan,” Gian said. Many factors inform these life-altering decisions.
In contrast,those on temporary visits face different considerations. The immediate risks, coupled with the uncertainty of when it will end, can make leaving the best option.People must weigh the personal risk tolerance against the hardships that staying might bring. It’s important to prioritize safety in these difficult times.
FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
Here are some frequently asked questions to assist Australians on the ground. Careful readiness, staying informed, and staying safe are essential for individuals navigating this situation.
Q: How can I register with DFAT?
A: Visit the Smartraveller website and complete the registration form. you’ll need to provide your contact information and travel details.
Q: What happens if my flight is canceled?
A: Contact your airline and travel insurance provider promptly.Determine if you’re eligible for reimbursement. Understand your rights under air passenger regulations.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Jordan from Israel?
A: Consult current travel advisories from DFAT, which will assess the safety. Be aware of potential airspace closures, and pack for unexpected delays.
Q: How does DFAT help in a crisis?
A: DFAT provides consular assistance. This includes helping with evacuations, providing information, and contacting family. they offer guidance and support to Australians abroad.
Q: What if I run out of money?
A: Contact DFAT. They might potentially be able to help with emergency funds or connect you with financial assistance. Contact your bank to discuss options regarding lost or stolen credit cards.
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