Australia will give an extra $15 million in humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip, as the war continues between Israel and Hamas.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the funding announcement at the White House on Wednesday, local time, alongside President of the United States Joe Biden.
Mr Albanese has arrived in Washington DC for an official state visit at the invitation of Mr Biden, where the two leaders will reflect on the Australia-US relationship.
After a meeting on Wednesday, Mr Albanese and Mr Biden held a joint media conference at the White House where they addressed the media about the deepening Israel-Hamas conflict.
“Australia unequivocally condemns the terrorism of Hamas,” Mr Albanese told reporters after a speech from the US President.
“We grieve for the loss of every innocent life, whether that be Israeli or Palestinian.
“In times of crisis, respect for international humanitarian law is paramount – it is a recognition of our common humanity.”
He confirmed Australia will commit an extra humanitarian package to help civilians in Gaza.
“Today I announce that Australia will provide an additional $15 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza,” Mr Albanese continued.
“This adds to the $10 million Australia has already committed and will help deliver life-saving assistance such as emergency water and medical services.”
He also praised his US counterpart for his leadership and “example he has set” during this time of conflict.
Australia’s extra funding package will help people impacted by the conflict in Gaza, and across the region, access life-saving supplies like food, medicine and other services.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the aid will be delivered through trusted partners, like the Red Cross and United Nations agencies.
“Australia has consistently called for safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access, and safe passage for civilians from Gaza,” she said on Thursday.
“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.”
A total of $6 million will be given to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to provide food, water and medical care to those people in need.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will receive $2 million for the supply of emergency water, sanitation and hygiene services.
Australia will give $2 million to United Nations’ various agencies that have been working to support civilians in Gaza who have been displaced during the war.
Two million dollars will also be provided to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to deliver urgent women’s health services.
“The remainder will be provided to trusted partners to address emerging needs,” a statement said.
(Sky News)
