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

As I have said, Australia is deeply concerned by the expansion of the conflict into Lebanon, the loss of life and the displacement of more than 750,000 civilians. This is exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Australia condemns Hezbollah's strikes on Israel, and we support Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah in line with previous agreements. I have been clear for some days that we do not wish to see Israel conduct a major ground offensive in Lebanon. We also welcome the emergency debate in the Security Council taking place later today. We call on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. To the some 15,000 Australians in Lebanon, we urge you to leave now if it is safe to do so. Repeating my earlier messages, if you can secure a commercial flight and travel to the airport safely, please do so before it is too late.