Visibly relieved passengers have shared an emotional moment, led by a pastor, as they boarded the second repatriation flight to leave Israel for Australia.
The crowd of passengers was led in an enthusiastic chant of “Aussie, Aussie Aussie – Oi, Oi, Oi” as they waited at Tel Aviv airport.
This comes after two repatriation flights were cancelled over the weekend due to “rapidly changing” conditions in the region.
The passenger who led the chant took the moment to publicly thank the government for its support of Australians in the war-affected region.
“A number of you have said it, I think we should really be giving a thanks to our government,” he said to a resounding cheer from the other passengers.
“I thought before we go we should say a blessing from Australia on this land of Israel.”
The man, who identified as a pastor, then led the crowd in a prayer, blessing the people of both Israel and Gaza.
“Father, we thank you for … the plane that has been provided by our government … and as we leave this land we want to pray for the people of this land, both the Jew and the Arab,” he said.
“We want to pray that you would be the protector of Israel … and that you would give your grace and your protection over all their families and over all their soldiers and over all their children.
“Father, we pray for the people in Gaza as well, we think of all of those who are traumatised because of what Hamas has been doing, and they are just the victims of this as war comes into their homes and upon their people.’
“We ask … to bring peace to this land so they can live together under the Prince of Peace Yeshua (Jesus).”
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong confirmed on Monday that three repatriation flights carrying hundreds of Australians left Tel Aviv airport for Dubai overnight.
About 1200 Australians – some 250 of whom boarded two RAAF planes and one private contracted flight on Sunday night – have now been assisted in leaving Israel since Hamas’ attack on October 7.
“We are still working on seeking to assist those Australians who are currently in Gaza,” Senator Wong said.
“This is a very difficult situation, a very frightening situation and we are working with international partners, including the US and Egypt and Israel, to try and ensure safe passage for Australians.
“As yet, as people would know, the situation in Gaza is extremely difficult.”
On Sunday, the federal government issued a grave warning to Australians in Lebanon, which shares a northern border with Israel.
According to Reuters, Israeli military and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah have been trading fire since Friday when an Israeli shelling reportedly struck a Lebanese army observation post.
“If you are in Lebanon, you should consider whether your need to remain there is essential,” Senator Wong said.
Smartraveller cautioned Australians to “consider the first available option” out of the country.
“If you wish to leave, a crisis could limit commercial options for departure,” Smartraveller posted to social media.
Senator Wong has also urged Australians remaining in Israel who still wish to leave to do so now.