Australian actor Hugh Sheridan has revealed he was offered a ticket to the Israel music festival stormed by Hamas terrorists.
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The four-time Logie winner had been on holiday in Tel Aviv in Israel when terrorist group Hamas launched its attack from Gaza on October 7.
His travelling companion David Draper said in an Instagram post they had been woken at 6am to shelter in the hotel staircase.
"You could hear the missiles coming from Gaza, this is just crazy, bit scared to say the least but we appear to be safe for now," Mr Draper said.
Mr Sheridan shared an Instagram story of Tel Aviv streets saying it had become "eerily quiet" on October 8.
"Desperately looking for a cab to the airport to try and get out. The missiles were way too close," he said.
The following day Mr Draper confirmed the trio had made it out with a photo from a plane headed to Athens.
"No sleep for us last night but we're finally out of here," Mr Draper said.
The actor also revealed he was offered a ticket to the desert music festival that was targeted by Hamas.
At least 260 bodies have since been recovered at the festival site, according to an Israeli search and rescue organisation.
"I attended the (pre) sunset beach PEACE bbq for this, they offered me a ticket to this too," Mr Sheridan said on Instagram.
"I can't believe that I didn't go. It's only just sinking in."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Warning for Australian travellers in the region
The death toll from the conflict has passed 1100 as Israel retaliates with air strikes on the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
Foreign Affairs minister Senator Penny Wong said on October 9 she was not aware of any Australians who had been injured or killed in the attacks and urged those in Israel to contact their families if they had not already.
"Australia unequivocally condemns the attacks on Israel by Hamas. We unequivocally condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire, the targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages," she said.
"These are abhorrent acts."
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned travellers not to go to Gaza or areas near its border.
It's also advising Aussies to reconsider travel to the West Bank including Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, Nablus, Hebron and Ramallah.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).
