SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE 
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

THE HON PAT CONROY MP
MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY

Australia will provide an additional $21.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the Middle East, including in response to the urgent and ongoing humanitarian needs resulting from the Hamas-Israel conflict.

This funding will be directed to conflict affected populations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to address the ongoing regional refugee crisis, with a focus on women and children.

As part of this package, Australia will provide –

• $4 million to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to continue delivering urgent and emergency services and supplies.
• $6 million through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), to provide urgent lifesaving assistance including food, shelter and emergency health care.
• $11.5 million to refugee programs in Lebanon and Jordan, at this time of increasing regional instability.

This package reinforces Australia’s longstanding commitment to the region, and builds on Australia’s total humanitarian commitment since the Hamas terror attacks on 7 October to more than $46 million.

Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia is gravely concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

“Australia continues to call for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations, and further humanitarian pauses to enable the scaled up delivery of aid, safe passage for civilians and the release of hostages.”

“We are working with our international partners to ensure desperately needed food and other humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.”

Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and The Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“International humanitarian law must be adhered to and there must be safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations.”

“Australia’s additional support prioritises the immediate needs of women and children, as well as distributing essential supplies and services.”

Media Contact:
Foreign Minister's Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.