Australia commits $20m in humanitarian aid to Gaza, Foreign Minister Penny Wong demands end to ‘suffering and starvation'
The move comes amid growing international pressure for Australia to join the UK, France and Canada in committing to recognising Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September, which will be attended by Anthony Albanese.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the additional $20m aid package on Sunday night, which brings Australia's total contribution to $130m.
The assistance will be delivered through key partners and humanitarian organisations will be broken into five different components.
The announcement comes after the Israeli government relented to the establishment of humanitarian corridors, following intense global condemnation it was purposefully starving civilians in Gaza – claims Israeli Prime Minister Israeli Netanyahu have denied and labelled a 'bold-faced lie'.
$2m has been earmarked for relief support alongside the UK though the existing partnership arrangement, $6m will be spent through the UN World Food Programme for the distribution for critical food supplies.
$5m have also been committed both to UNICEF to target children at risk of starvation, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide essential needs, like healthcare.
Another $2m will be delivered through the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation to bolster the operations of field hospitals in the war zone.
Senator Wong reiterated her demands of a ceasefire, with the US and Israel restarting negotiations for a peace deal.
The move also comes after more than 50,000 anti-war protesters shut down Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, demanding more action, with similar large-scale demonstrations happening in Melbourne's CBD.
'Australia has consistently been part of the international call on Israel to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza, in line with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice,' she said.
'The suffering and starvation of civilians in Gaza must end.
'Australia will continue to work with the international community to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and a two-state solution – the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.'
International Development Minister Dr Anne Aly said the government was working with partners to provide the 'immediate and sustained lifesaving assistance' and urged the Israeli government to allow teams to 'do their vital work and deliver aid at scale'.
'Australia's additional funding will bolster international efforts to address urgent needs in Gaza. It will provide urgently needed food and healthcare,' she said.
'We continue to call on Israel to allow immediate and unimpeded aid access into Gaza.'
The announcements come as Anthony Albanese seeks a call with Mr Netanyahu, following sustained speculation around whether Australia will join its Western Allies in recognising Palestinian statehood at the international summit next month.
Mr Albanese has repeatedly said the act cannot just be a 'gesture' but must go towards achieving a two-state solution and peace in Gaza.
The Coalition has said peace needs to be resolved before they support the recognition of statehood, which would require Hamas to surrender and release the Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attacks.
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