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Australia will provide $10 million in humanitarian assistance to the World Food Programme, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong supporting the recent UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire and permanent end to hostilities.
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The announcement was made by Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth Dr Anne Aly at a conference convened by Egypt, Jordan, and the United States, with the aid expected to provide food assistance to civilians facing famine in Gaza.
The announcement brings Australia’s total commitment to $72.5 million to civilians in Gaza and the ongoing regional refugee crisis, since October 7.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages.
“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,” the Minister announced.
“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 Aly marked the announcement with calls for aid to flow into Gaza: “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.”
The announcement comes as the UN Security Council voted in favour of a ceasefire and permanent end to hostilities in Gaza.
The United States-led resolution was supported by member nations Algeria, China, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The federal government noted that the United States proposal was the best pathway for stability in the region, in which the resolution “welcomes the new ceasefire proposal announced on May 31, which Israel accepted, calls upon Hamas to also accept it, and urges both parties to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition”.
