Login
iscover
The Australian federal government has pledged more than $2 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire as Israel Defense Forces begin a new “Northern Arrows” ground assault in the country.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Minister for International Development and The Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy made the announcement alongside Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong this week.
Australia will provide $2 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians in Lebanon, impacted by the escalation of conflict. The funding will support the UN Children’s Fund to provide medical assistance, address essential nutrition, education and water sanitation in southern Lebanon.
In addition, Australia has called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon as an urgent priority, along with the release of hostages and the flow of humanitarian aid.
“The situation in Lebanon is already very distressing as is the prospect of a further escalation of hostilities, including in the broader region,” Minister Conroy said.
“Australia will continue to monitor and assess the humanitarian situation and stands ready to provide further support.”
The humanitarian move comes as the Israel Defense Forces announced “limited, localised, and targeted” ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon on 1 October.
“These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” the IDF said.
“The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months.
“The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.
“These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon. Operation ‘Northern Arrows’ will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.”
Ambassador of the State of Israel to Australia Amir Maimon confirmed that the raids were being conducted in accordance with the decision of the political echelon of Israel.
“The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes.”
Senator Wong, speaking to the United Nations General Assembly on 28 September, repeated Australia’s call for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
“Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza. We know Australia is not a central player in the Middle East, but we seek to be a constructive voice for peace and the upholding of international law, including the protection of civilians,” Senator Wong said.
Australians in Lebanon are encouraged to leave immediately and those requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).
