CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
Australia has announced it will provide an additional $10 million in humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs in Gaza.
The additional humanitarian assistance was announced by Minister Anne Aly (pictured) at an international conference convened by Egypt, Jordan and the United Nations on the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Israel must allow aid to flow at scale, as ordered by the International Court of Justice,” said Dr Aly.
“We thank Egypt, Jordan and the United Nations for bringing the world together in support of civilians in Gaza. The suffering of Palestinian civilians cannot continue.”
The funding will be directed to the World Food Programme to provide life-saving food assistance to civilians in Gaza facing the risk of famine.
“This additional $10 million to the World Food Programme will help to provide life-saving assistance to civilians in Gaza who are facing a catastrophic humanitarian situation and imminent famine,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong.
“Australia continues to press for a ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to reach Gazans in desperate need, and for hostages to be released.
“We support the ceasefire endorsed by the UN Security Council and want to see it fully implemented by both parties. Any delay will only see more lives lost.”
Since 7 October, Australia has committed $72.5 million in humanitarian assistance to address essential needs in Gaza and respond to the protracted refugee crisis in the region.
“We are pleased to support the World Food Programme, helping it to deliver urgently needed humanitarian assistance to civilians,” said Minister for International Development and The Pacific, Pat Conroy.
The Australian Government says it will continue to monitor and assess the situation in the region and stands ready to provide further support.
