Australia Commits Extra $20 Million in Aid for Gaza Crisis

Australian Aid-Gaza-(Special Correspondent/Webdesk)-The Australian government has announced an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, raising its total contribution to more than $130 million since October 7, 2023. This funding aims to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.

The newly pledged funds are designated for urgent food and medical aid, with a particular focus on supporting women and children in Gaza. Supplies will include field hospital provisions, medical items, and nutritional support.

The $20 million will be distributed among several trusted international humanitarian organizations:

• $6 million to the UN World Food Programme for emergency food distribution,
• $5 million to UNICEF for child nutrition,
• $5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross for healthcare and essential needs,
• $2 million jointly with the UK for relief logistics,
• $2 million to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization for field hospitals.

The commitment comes amid worsening conditions in Gaza, described by humanitarian officials as a “catastrophe.” Reports detail widespread starvation, acute malnutrition, and a rising death toll—including 93 children—from hunger-related causes.

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Despite the pledged support, aid delivery remains severely disrupted. According to UN agencies, much of the humanitarian assistance entering Gaza fails to reach distribution points or warehouses, due to military restrictions by Israel and growing internal instability.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia’s diplomatic stance, urging Israel to allow immediate and unrestricted aid access in line with the International Court of Justice’s rulings. She stated: “The suffering and starvation of civilians in Gaza must end.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed this sentiment, declaring that Israel has “clearly” violated international law by blocking food access. This marks one of the strongest statements yet from an Australian leader on the crisis.

The announcement comes amid mounting domestic pressure, with large-scale anti-war protests erupting in major cities. Recent polls show that 82% of Australians view Israel’s blockade of Gaza as unjustified, reflecting a shift in public sentiment.

Meanwhile, international NGOs such as Oxfam have dismissed Israel’s recent aid measures as symbolic and ineffective, insisting that airdrops are insufficient and that a ceasefire is necessary to ensure meaningful humanitarian access.