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Australia and New Zealand evacuate citizens and diplomats amid regional crisis

08:01

Australia has successfully evacuated a limited number of its citizens from Israel, while New Zealand has withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Iran, as both nations grapple with restricted access due to closed airspace in the region. Despite growing requests for assistance, the ability to conduct evacuations remains severely limited.

According to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, approximately 1,500 Australian nationals in Iran and around 1,200 in Israel have sought help to leave the affected areas. On Wednesday, a small group was evacuated from Israel via a land route. The government continues to explore additional evacuation possibilities, though Wong emphasized that the closure of airspace poses significant challenges.

For Australians in Iran, authorities are advising those who can do so safely to leave or otherwise remain sheltered. Wong noted that options are more readily available in Israel compared to Iran, where closed airports and airspace create substantial barriers.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters reported that the New Zealand embassy in Tehran has been temporarily shut, and two diplomatic staff members, along with their families, were evacuated by land to Azerbaijan. The evacuation was conducted overnight as part of a convoy that included representatives from other nations.

Peters stressed that the New Zealand government is working under "very serious practical constraints" and is coordinating closely with Australia while preparing for potential evacuation flights once air travel becomes feasible again. New Zealand is also offering guidance to its citizens on possible overland exits from the conflict zone.

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