The government of Australia has asked its citizens to leave Israel if possible, citing a “high threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks”, while also issuing a similar warning for the Palestinian territories.
In a travel advisory update published by the Department of Foreign Affairs which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York, the government said; “We urge Australians in both Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to depart if it’s safe to do so.”
Australia’s government had previously told citizens to avoid travel to both areas if possible and, if concerned, to leave.
This more urgent warning came as Israel and Iran traded direct aerial barrages, dramatically escalating animosities after years of indirect and covert clashes.
“Military attacks may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions and other travel disruptions,” Australia’s diplomats said.
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“Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns at any time, and at short notice.”
The warning from the Australian government came as fears gripped the Middle East following explosions in Iran, Syria, and Iraq on Friday which have affected oil prices.
Africa Today News, New York had earlier reported that oil prices jumped more than three percent in early Asian trade on Friday following unconfirmed reports of explosions in Iran, Syria and Iraq, sparking fears of an escalation of the Middle East crisis.
Meanwhile, Isfahan, a central province in Iran, experienced reported explosions on Friday, as state media indicated, with US officials pointing to Israel’s purported involvement in conducting retaliatory strikes against its perennial antagonist.
Iranian state media revealed the activation of air defense systems in several cities, following the announcement by the country’s official broadcaster of explosions heard near Isfahan.