Aussie boy trapped in Gaza pleads for a safe return home

The young Aussie has already witnessed the horrific impact on human life the conflict in Gaza has created.

A young Aussie boy is pleading with the government to do everything in its power to aid his and his family's safe return home after getting caught up in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Yazan Hellis, 12, was visiting relatives in Palestine with his mum and seven-year-old sister when they became one of the many families stranded in the city at the start of the month, enduring constant Israeli bombardment after militant group Hamas's invasion to Israel intensified conflict.

"It’s really stressful,” Yazan told 7 News. "[I’ve] never been in a war before so I’m really scared."

 Yazan Hellis is trapped in Gaza (right) with much of the city in ruins after constant bombardment (left).
Young Australian Yazan Hellis, 12, has revealed the horrors of being trapped in Gaza. Source: Caritas Australia and 7 News

The youngster has revealed the daily horrors which he continues to witness as the family wait for an opportunity to flee.

"I saw people dead on the ground. Arms everywhere, legs everywhere... there's bombing everywhere."

"I want to go home back to Australia, but the borders are closed," he said.

Family pins hope on exit path to Egypt

The family are reportedly pinning their hope on a channel into Egypt which opened for the first time over the weekend to allow aid trucks.

Medical supplies, food and water were transported in 22 trucks through the channel on Saturday and a second convoy transported similar supplies on Sunday, but it is believed the effort is merely a drop in the ocean for the millions of people stuck and in need of urgent assistance in Gaza.

Yazan and his youngster sister sit beside one another with somber expressions.
Yazan Hellis, 12 and his younger sister are trapped in Gaza with their mum. Source: 7 News

The Melbourne family of three are among the 51 Aussies who were known to be in Gaza when the militant group's invasion on October 7 resulted in the area being blocked off, with Australian officials unable to access citizens stuck in the blockaded zone.

The Australian government has said anyone who is able to reach Egypt will receive assistance.

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