Australia will provide an additional $15 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza, the West Bank and across the region.
This funding will be delivered through trusted partners to help address immediate and emerging needs including food, water, medicine and other essential services.
The funding will be allocated as follows:
- $6 million for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to provide life-saving assistance including food, water and medical care.
- $2 million to UNICEF for the provision of emergency water, sanitation and hygiene services.
- $2 million to UN agencies to preposition supplies and to support those who have been displaced by the conflict.
- $2 million to UNFPA to provide urgent women’s health services.
- The remainder will be provided to trusted partners to address emerging needs.
This funding is in addition to the $10 million already committed by the Australian Government, and brings our total package of assistance to $25 million since 7 October.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“Australia has consistently called for safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access, and safe passage for civilians from Gaza.”
“There has been access in recent days but nowhere near enough. Humanitarian pauses are essential to ensure this assistance and that of our partners flows into Gaza.”
“The way Israel exercises its right to defend itself matters. It matters to civilians throughout the region, and it matters to Israel’s ongoing security.”