(Daily Telegraph, 6/11/2023)
A dozen Australians trapped in Gaza when the conflict with Israel broke out last month have finally touched down on home soil almost a month after the violence began.
Twelve Aussies arrived home via a Qatar Airways flight into Sydney on Sunday night, the largest repatriation from Gaza yet after the Rafah border crossing to Egypt was opened last Wednesday, allowing them to flee war-torn Gaza and board a flight home.
Palestinian Australians flocked to Sydney Airport’s arrivals section just before 7pm, donning the traditional keffiyeh scarfs in solidarity as they waited for their loved ones to arrive.
Some clutched bouquets of flowers as they paced around the airport.
Sara Elmasry, her husband and two young children jumped straight into the waiting arms of family members in tearful reunion after they became trapped in the middle of the conflict while holidaying in Gaza on October 7.
“It was really really difficult, telling them everything will be okay,” Ms Elmasry said through tears.
“We are praying for the ones who are left behind.”
Ms Elmasry’s sister Mariam, from Western Sydney, said her sister’s safe arrival home was “bittersweet” as other family members remained trapped in Gaza.
“(Sara) and her family went there for holidays and then now they have to cut their journey short. We were worried about them. We lost contact with them a couple of times,” Ms Elmasry said.
“We have a lot of family there knowing they are running out of food or water This is a very bittersweet moment.
“We are happy about my sister, her kids, her husband. It took such a long to get them here but we have many family there. It’s still a scary feeling for them.”
Ms Elmasry said there would definitely be some happy tears after many “sad tears” the last few nights.
A government interpreter joined friends and relatives on-site at the airport, along with police and a sniffer dog.
Another traveller, Mona, jumped straight into the arms of her best friend Saeda upon her arrival, but was quick to thank authorities for getting her home safe.
“I’m glad that I am here today. Thank you thank you to the Australian government to help to escape from the terrible situation,” Mona said.
As families exited the airport they chanted “Free free Palestine”.
Repatriation flights from Israel brought hundreds back to safety when they began three weeks ago, with 164 Australians flown home to safety on the first flight home on October 17.