Australia has pledged another $10 million to Gaza and the West Bank in response to the “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis.
The funding will go to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and the United Nations Population Fund to provide critical help, with a focus on women and girls.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong made the announcement while reiterating her call for a ceasefire.
“Australia’s support will help address the dire humanitarian situation with the delivery of nutrition and essential hygiene and health products,” she said.
“Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must reach civilians, and aid workers must be protected to enable their lifesaving work.
“We continue to press for a ceasefire, the protection of civilians and the release of hostages.”
International Development Minister Pat Conroy called for the suffering must stop.
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Civilians should not be made to pay the price for the horrendous acts of others,” he said.
Australia has committed $82.5 million in humanitarian assistance for those in Gaza and the West Bank since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.
The crisis has continued to worsen as Israeli airstrikes and scarce food, water and fuel supplies deplete the region’s health system, according to the World Health Organisation.
