Australia boosts humanitarian aid for Gaza

28/3/2025 15:02

The Australian government has announced additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, Myanmar and Afghanistan.



Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Pat Conroy, the minister for International Development and the Pacific, on Friday committed an extra 11 million Australian dollars in "lifesaving" humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza.



Additionally, they said the Australian government would provide an extra 15 million AUD for people affected by "humanitarian crises" in Myanmar and Afghanistan.



Wong and Conroy said in a joint statement that the additional funding for Gaza will address urgent needs, including healthcare, food and water.



"Australia is engaging diplomatically as part of the international call for all parties to return to the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. We continue to press for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and unimpeded and sustained humanitarian aid," Wong said.



Wong and Conroy described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "dire" and reiterated Australia's call for sustained and unimpeded aid for people who desperately need it.



They said the five million AUD in new funding for Afghanistan will go towards United Nations partners delivering services for Afghan women and girls.