The Coalition is urging the federal government to establish no-go travel zones to prevent Australians from fighting with terrorists overseas, particularly in parts of Lebanon. This call comes after an Australian man was reportedly killed in a south Lebanon air strike and was suspected of being linked to the terrorist group Hezbollah.
Shadow foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham suggested that the government take steps to stop Australians from joining terrorist groups, including establishing a terrorist no-go zone. He emphasized that there is a particular area in southern Lebanon where Hezbollah is actively engaging in actions that could escalate conflict in the Middle East. Birmingham stressed the importance of the government utilizing all available powers, including the use of no-go travel zones, to prevent individuals from traveling to the region.
The Federal Labor government responded by stating that they are working to establish the facts regarding reports of an Australian killed in southern Lebanon while fighting with Hezbollah. Minister Mark Butler reminded Australians that Hezbollah is a listed terrorist organization and it is illegal to engage in hostile activities overseas.
Shadow foreign affairs minister James Paterson also recommended that the government make it an offense to travel to parts of southern Lebanon to reinforce the clear travel advice to avoid the area. He urged the government to take action to declare an area under the criminal code, making it a criminal offense to travel to certain regions.