Govt ramps up evacuation efforts for Australians in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli bombardment

The government is increasing its efforts to get Australians out of Lebanon, chartering Qantas planes for repatriation flights. Two non-stop flights will operate between Cyprus and Sydney on Monday and Wednesday next week. The flights carrying up to 500 passengers will depart Beirut for Cyprus today. Their operation depends on Beirut airport remaining open as Israeli air strikes hit targets close to it. “We have been warning for many months now, pleading with people to please leave Lebanon because it is not a safe place,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.