Australia sends troops to Middle East as Israel-Hamas crisis escalates: ‘This is a volatile situation’

Australia is sending two additional air force planes to the Middle East as tensions escalate between Israel and Hamas.

Defense Minister Richard Marles said two more RAAF aircraft had been sent to the Middle East, bringing the country’s total deployment to three.

Mr Marles said there was a small command unit and support team for all three aircraft.

Defense Force personnel are being deployed “as an emergency situation… this is a delicate situation,” Mr Marles said.

Home Secretary Clare O’Neil said: “We are trying to ensure we are prepared for any eventuality.”

“It will be important to have the resources in the region … to help additional Australians who may be at risk.”