Fears for stricken families of Australians in Lebanon
Australians are desperately trying to get their relatives out of Lebanon as an Israeli incursion continues.
Conflict sparked by the October 7 attack by Hamas has spilled into Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have killed more than 1400 people according to local authorities.
Maya Jabbour from Perth is hoping to bring her Beirut-based uncle Mofid Rizkallah and his family to the safety of Australia.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 66-year-old father, who is battling prostate cancer, is terrified for the lives of his wife and 12-year-old child.
“It is a very scary time with the war happening. Many people have fled their homes and are living on the streets,” Mr Rizkallah said.
“My daughter hasn’t been able to attend school due to closures because of the attacks.
“People can’t sleep at night because of the explosions, and we are expected to live our lives this way.
“My family and I are safe for now, but we can still hear and see the explosions from our neighbourhood. To say that everyone is extremely frightened is an understatement.”
Ms Jabbour said she feared her uncle would die, as his chemotherapy treatment was cancelled by the hospital due to Israel’s bombing of Lebanon.
“What’s happening currently in the Middle East is really heartbreaking ... it’s extremely devastating,” she said.
Her family was considering bringing Mr Rizkallah over on a refugee visa.
He said the deteriorating situation was unpredictable, and he wanted a safe place for his child to grow up without the threat of war.
“We hope to come to Australia ... for the future of our daughter and our family, we pray for this,” Mr Rizkallah said.
The federal government continues to urge Australians to leave Lebanon, warning the narrow window of opportunity is closing.
Some 1200 people were killed by Hamas, with about 250 others taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza by Israel’s retaliatory strikes, with the majority of the strip’s population facing displacement and starvation, according to Palestinian health authorities.
