The conflict in the Middle East is escalating, leading to increased security concerns. Australians have been advised against traveling to Lebanon due to the ongoing security breakdown and escalating conflict in the region. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued an update through Smart Traveller, urging Australians currently in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible. The update highlighted the potential for airports to suspend operations with little notice and warned of the possibility of terrorist attacks, including in the capital city of Beirut.
The recent Israel-Palestine war has sparked mass demonstrations across the Middle East in solidarity with Palestinians, especially following the explosion at the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza. The cause of the explosion is disputed, with Israeli officials claiming it was the result of a misfired rocket by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, while Hamas alleges it was an Israeli airstrike. The incident reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, according to Gazan ministers.
In response to Hamas’ provocation of Israel, unrest has spread to neighboring countries. Hezbollah, a terrorist organization in Lebanon, is now engaged in military confrontations with Israel along their shared border. In Beirut, demonstrators frequently clash with Lebanese police and security forces near the U.S. embassy, often leading to the use of tear gas and water cannons.
Hezbollah, similar to Hamas, operates both as a political party and a military force. It holds various cabinet positions in the Lebanese Parliament and wields influence through its extensive network of welfare services, schools, and TV stations. Additionally, Hezbollah has significant business interests and receives substantial financial support from the Iranian regime.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Tel Aviv, where he announced $100 million in aid to Palestinians and brokered a deal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, some blame the recent unrest on the Biden administration’s negotiations with Iran. In August, the U.S. agreed to transfer $6 billion in previously frozen Iranian funds in exchange for the release of detained U.S. citizens. Iran has long supported Hamas, providing financial aid and legitimizing the Palestinian movement on the global stage.
Former President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Iran’s oil exports and banking sector, and the $6 billion in question consists of frozen oil revenues in South Korean bank accounts. The timing of Hamas’ attack on Israel coincided with negotiations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia for the latter to recognize Israel formally.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed the ongoing conflict in a Senate speech, calling on her fellow MPs to condemn Hamas and show support for Israel. She emphasized the need to differentiate between Hamas as a terrorist group and the Palestinian people. Wong reiterated her government’s commitment to a two-state solution and urged progress toward a peaceful resolution for Israelis and Palestinians.