Australia cancels flights out of Israel amid fears of violence escalating in region

Cancellation comes as Australian government echoes US call for Israel to operate by the rules of war in its response to Hamas attacks

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Two planned flights to evacuate Australians stranded in Israel have been cancelled amid growing fears of escalating violence in the region, although the Albanese government says it is working on alternatives to bring people to safety.

The cancellation of the two planned flights comes as Australia has echoed a call from the Biden administration for Israel to operate by the rules of war in its response to Hamas attacks, while pledging an additional $10m in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza.