Australia 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 at an international conference convened by Egypt, Jordan and the United Nations on the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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.
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.
Australia will continue to monitor and assess the situation in the region and stands ready to provide further support.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“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.
“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.”
Minister for International Development and The Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“We are pleased to support the World Food Programme, helping it to deliver urgently needed humanitarian assistance to civilians.
“Since October 7 Australia has committed more than $70 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the region.”
Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP:
“Israel must allow aid to flow at scale, as ordered by the International Court of Justice.
“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.”