Number of Australians stuck in Gaza reaches 45 as Israel prepares for ground invasion

Richard Marles says the government is working with other countries on humanitarian corridors out but it remains an extremely difficult' situation

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Richard Marles has confirmed that the number of Australians known to be trapped in Gaza has more than doubled overnight to 45 as Israeli forces prepare to mount a ground invasion into the besieged territory.

The deputy prime minister told ABC Breakfast TV that about 45 Australians, an increase on the figure of 19 on Monday, had now made contact with the federal government but they remained in an extremely difficult" situation.

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