Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan says images emerging from the latest Middle East war zone are horrifying, as Australians caught in the conflict zone prepare to evacuate.
Two Qantas airliners are on their way to Tel Aviv on a mission to bring home Australians who wish to leave, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues for a fifth day.
In a written statement, Cr Sullivan said many locals have ties to the region.
“Our thoughts are with the civilians suffering enormous loss and hardship … (and) also with the members of the Greater Geelong community who … are worried for friends and loved ones.
“We hope to see a swift end to the destruction and loss of life.”
The first Qantas repatriatin flight out of Israel is due to depart Tel Aviv airport tomorrow, although Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was still uncertain about how many Australians are trapped.
“It’s not completely clear how many are there, let alone how many are unaccounted for,” he said.
“So what we’re doing is working through these issues.”
