A group of Australians trapped in Gaza escaped the enclave following the brief reopening of the Rafah crossing to Egypt.
More than 335 foreign passport holders were granted permission to leave Gaza for the first time since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7.
Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts confirmed among them was 20 Australians registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
An additional three people who were also registered with the government also crossed.
“They were met by Australian consular officials who are on the ground in Egypt who were able to provide assistance with ongoing travel arrangements,” he told ABC News.
“We‘re grateful that this initial cohort has made the crossing from Gaza to Egypt.”
Sixty-five Australians remain stuck in Gaza and are being provided with consular assistance.
“We are continuing to push for them to be able to make that passage across the Rafah crossing as soon as possible,” he said.
“We know this is an incredibly distressing time for Australians in Gaza and their families, and we are providing all possible support we can, communicating through all available channels.”
More to come.