Australian officials pulled out of West Bank after Israel revokes visas
Share and Follow

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.
Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Wild weather to batter parts of Queensland as storm clean-up continues

Brace for Impact: Fierce Storms Set to Lash Queensland Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flash flooding are threatening to hamper New Year’s…
The most power-hungry appliances in your house and how to make better use of them

Uncover the Top Energy-Consuming Home Appliances and Optimize Their Usage

As temperatures rise, the allure of cranking up the air conditioner becomes…

Kosovo’s Snap Election: What’s at Stake Amidst Uncertain Outcomes?

Before the first vote is even cast in Kosovo’s snap election on…

Zelenskyy and Trump to Convene in Florida: A Pivotal Discussion on Peace with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will discuss territorial issues, the main stumbling block…
Broadwater Tourist Park

Severe Weather Strands Holidaymakers, Leaving Caravan Park Inaccessible

It could be days before holidaymakers are able to return to a…
Metcash CEO Doug Jones following the companys full year results at Macquarie Park in Sydney on June 24, 2024. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer

Under-the-Radar Leadership: How a CEO Led a $17.3B Success with Minimal Hands-On Involvement

Exclusive Feature: In this special series by nine.com.au, we delve into the…

Ex-Malaysian PM Najib Razak Faces 15-Year Sentence in Major 1MDB Corruption Scandal

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has been jailed for a further…
US Powerball

Adelaide Resident Strikes Gold: Mysterious $20 Million Lottery Win Unveiled

Someone in Adelaide has ended their year $20 million richer and may…