AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSE TO the israel-HAMAS conflict
On October 7, 2023, a Hamas attack on Israeli territory triggered a widespread military response from Israel. Since October 2023, the Hamas-Israel conflict has resulted in the death of over 40,000 people (more information on the casualties can be found here). The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described by the UN as catastrophic, with 1.9 million people displaced and severe food shortages. In September 2024, Israel launched a ground invasion of Southern Lebanon, causing further displacement. This Explainer sets out the Australian government’s response to people fleeing the conflict, including through immigration measures and support for affected communities in Australia.
Immigration measures
Approximately 1,300 Palestinians fleeing Gaza have arrived in Australia since the conflict began on 7 October 2023, mostly on tourist visas. As of 12 August 2024, the government has rejected approximately 7,000 visa applications from Palestinians, with around 2,922 applications approved. The government has granted approximately 8,746 visas to Israeli citizens and rejected 235 visa applications over the same period. Those who have arrived on tourist visas face significant limitations, as they are unable to work or access public healthcare. For those who cannot access standard visa pathways, the government has provided the option to apply for a Bridging Visa E.
In October 2024, the Australian government announced that Palestinian and Israeli nationals who are on temporary visas and located in Australia may be eligible to transfer to a temporary humanitarian stay pathway, which is valid for three years and allows the visa holder to work, study and access Medicare. The visa is granted by invitation from the Minister for Home Affairs only. This pathway is similar to the Australian governments’ response to people fleeing Ukraine, introduced one month after the conflict began in February 2022.
Support for affected communities
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the Australian government has committed $94.5 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, with a particular focus on combatting the dire food insecurity situation in Gaza.
The government has also committed substantial funds to support affected communities within Australia. The government has allocated $3 million for emergency financial assistance for people arriving on temporary visas from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories who are in financial hardship, with payment amounts varying based on family size and circumstances. The government has also committed $25 million for Australian Palestinian, Muslim, and other affected communities, with specific allocations for mental health and community wellbeing services. An additional $6 million has been set aside for mental health support in Jewish and Islamic schools.
What are people saying about Australia’s response?
Despite these measures, Australia’s response has faced criticism. Amnesty International condemned the mass visa rejections for Palestinians fleeing Gaza, as only 29% of visa applications have been approved. Furthermore, in August 2024, the Opposition leader called for a ban on all visas provided to Palestinian people fleeing Gaza, citing national security concerns. Critics responded with concern at the intense politicisation of the issue. While the recent announcement of the temporary humanitarian visa pathway has been positive, refugee advocates reiterate the importance of permanent pathways. With Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon and further displacement of civilians, the government’s response to people fleeing the conflict will evolve further.
Next → AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSE TO THE UKRAINE DISPLACEMENT CRISIS
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Last updated 28 October 2024