The Federal Government has announced $20 million in funding for more aid to be delivered to Gaza.
The funding will go towards United Nations and humanitarian groups delivering food.
Israel’s restriction of aid into Gaza has caused mass starvation and drawn international condemnation. The UN has warned that Gaza is “on the brink of famine”.
Today’s announcement comes a day after a major protest against Israel’s actions was held in Sydney.
Australia's aid
Australia provides funding and resources to International aid agencies working to support people in Gaza. The Federal Government says it has given more than $100 million to support Gaza since October 2023.
In the latest round of funding announced on Monday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said $20 million will be divided among UN agencies including the World Food Program ($6 million) and the children’s agency UNICEF ($5 million).
The UN recently requested $4 billion from across the globe to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Australian funding will also be delivered to a Jordanian charity organisation sending medical supplies to field hospitals in Gaza.
“The suffering and starvation of civilians in Gaza must end,” Wong said.
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Last week, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she was “distressed” by images and footage from Gaza, but didn’t explicitly say there was starvation.
However, on Monday, Ley said: “There is hunger and starvation in Gaza and it needs to be addressed”.
Sydney protest
The Federal Government’s funding announcement comes after protesters marched over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday.
Thousands participated in the march, in protest of Israel’s ongoing actions against Palestinians in Gaza.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, Sydney mayor Clover Moore, and former Labor Premier Bob Carr were among those in attendance.
NSW Police launched a legal bid to stop the protest from going ahead.
However, the request was rejected by the NSW Supreme Court on Saturday morning.
Police estimate 90,000 people attended, while organisers estimate there were up to 300,000 attendees.
Similar protest action was also held in Melbourne and Adelaide on Sunday.
