AMMAN — Australia will provide a further $10 million to enable the distribution of urgent medical and nutrition supplies to Gaza to help address the catastrophic humanitarian conditions due to the ongoing conflict.

 

This funding brings Australia's total humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon to over $110 million since October 7, 2023, according to an Australian Foreign Ministry statement to The Jordan Times.

 

Infrastructure and health systems in Gaza have been devastated by Israel's military operations. Food, medicines and essential supplies have been exhausted.

 

As part of the Albanese Government's ongoing humanitarian support, Australia is partnering with Jordan to provide urgent medical care to Palestinians suffering serious illness or injury in Gaza.

 

The Australian Government will contribute $5 million to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation for critical medical supplies to support field hospitals in Gaza.

 

Australia's support builds on the charity's previous work, such as the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association, which has also donated essential medical supplies to Gaza.

 

Australia will also provide $5 million to UNICEF for nutritional support for children affected by the conflict.

 

Gaza is experiencing a critical food security crisis, with children under the age of five the most impacted.

 

This contribution will help UNICEF provide 2.9 million rations of nutritional support, enough to meet the needs of 8,000 children for four months.

 

"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,” said the Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

 

The minister added: "Aid is being prevented from reaching those who need it. Children are injured and starving. Israel's ongoing restriction on aid into Gaza is costing lives.”

 

"We will continue to work with our international partners to press for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel," she added.

 

"The devastation and suffering in Gaza are unconscionable. Australia's support will help deliver lifesaving assistance and care to civilians injured in Gaza,” said International Development Minister Anne Aly, adding: "Civilians cannot pay the price in this conflict. Every child deserves safety. Every child deserves access to food and medical care.”