Australian officials pulled out of West Bank after Israel revokes visas
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Government operations in Ramallah, a city in the West Bank which serves as Palestine’s administrative capital, have been suspended.

“Our ability to provide consular assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is extremely limited,” a statement from Smartraveller reads.

The words “State of Palestine Presidency” are written on the building of the Palestinian Authority. (dpa/picture alliance via Getty I)

“Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv or Australian Embassy in Jordan.”

Israel earlier this week kicked out Australia’s representatives to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, accusing Australia of fuelling antisemitism in a move labelled “unjustified” by Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the revocation of the diplomats’ visas on Tuesday.

Sa’ar blamed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement he would recognise a Palestinian state and the decision to block a far-right Israeli politician from entering the country.

Sa’ar said Israel would also “carefully examine” any new visa applications from Australian officials.

Family members and relatives of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails seen in Ramallah. (Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Australian Representative Office in Ramallah was established in 2000.

The office “facilitates Australia’s relationships in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and enhances Australia’s support for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process”, according to its website.

It also oversees the implementation of Australia’s substantial development assistance program in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

9news.com.au has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
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