Mercy flights to rescue Australians stranded in Lebanon

Escalating hostilities in Lebanon have prompted evacuation flights for Australians. (AP PHOTO)

Two mercy flights will rescue Australians stranded in Lebanon as tensions in the region escalate.

Qantas will operate two non-stop flights between Cyprus and Sydney, on behalf of the Australian government, the airline announced on Friday night.

The federal government said two charter flights carrying up to 500 passengers will depart Beirut for Cyprus on Saturday.

Further flights are planned for subsequent days and will be subject to demand, Foreign Minister Penny Wong's office said.

The Qantas flights are scheduled to leave Cyprus on Monday night and Wednesday.

It comes after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for Iran's ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi to be expelled for describing Hassan Nasrallah as a "remarkable leader". 

Nasrallah was secretary-general of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organisation, before being killed in Israeli air strikes in Lebanon in September.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday said he condemned the ambassador's comments and any support for terrorist organisations, but noted the importance of Australia's links with Iran.

"Australia has maintained a diplomatic relationship with Iran since 1968 ... not because we agree with the regime but because it's in the national interest," he told reporters in Sydney.

Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended his government's stance on Iran.

"It has never been an endorsement of the regime but it has been a channel to protect Australia's interests and to communicate our views and the views of our allies."

His government has sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities, Mr Albanese said, while the former government maintained "silence about Iran".

Mr Dutton insisted the Iranian ambassador's comments were "completely and utterly at odds with what is in our country's best interests".

"The prime minister and the foreign minister should show the strength of character and expel him from our country," he told reporters in Brisbane.

As violence escalates in the Middle East, Australian politicians are urging citizens in Lebanon to leave.

But evacuation flights have so far taken off with empty seats.

A plane that left Lebanon on Thursday with 80 seats allocated for Australians had 41 people take up the offer and though 500 seats are available on a flight leaving on Saturday, 238 Australians have registered so far.

"We have been warning for many months now, pleading with people to please leave Lebanon because it is not a safe place," Mr Albanese said.

A damaged building in Beirut following an Israeli air strike.
Israeli air strikes have hammered Lebanon, including the capital Beirut.

Israel has intensified military action against Lebanon, bombing southern parts of the nation and its capital Beirut in attacks that have killed hundreds of people.

Mr Dutton also stressed that Australians in Lebanon should leave at the first opportunity.

"If people are waiting for a RAAF flight, that is going to get more and more difficult. So I would just say that they should heed the advice of the prime minister: book that commercial flight now and get out of harm's way," he said.

Israel has threatened retaliation against Iran for a missile attack.

Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts said while Israel had the right to self defence, he pleaded for a de-escalation of tension.

"We need to break this cycle of violence that we're seeing in the region. It's not in anyone's interest in the region to see a regional conflict, and that's really what we are on the brink of at the moment," he said.

A pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney.
Organisers have agreed to change the location of a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney on the weekend.

As a deal was struck to allow a Sydney protest to go ahead on Sunday ahead of the first anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, police forces from across Australia issued a joint statement calling for attendees to be peaceful.

"Police are lock-step in keeping Australians safe, and continue to work with all Australians, visitors, stakeholders, community leaders and leaders of faith to ensure Australian laws are understood," the statement said.

"Police are planning and preparing for upcoming protests in some states and territories."

Mr Albanese said the anniversary was a solemn occasion and "that those planning any events on October 7 should think again".

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store