Australia pledges $13 million aid for Gaza

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has announced a donation of 20 million Australian dollars (US$13 million) to humanitarian organisations providing food and medical supplies in Gaza.

In a statement released over the weekend, DFAT said the new funding was prompted by “the announcement of new humanitarian corridors” that have enabled limited access for aid into the besieged Palestinian territory," Caliber.Az reports via Al Jazeera. 

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed the country’s stance on the crisis, calling for Israel to comply with international legal obligations.

“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," Wong said.

“The suffering and starvation of civilians in Gaza must end,” she added.

The funding pledge came just one day after tens of thousands of Australians marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, urging the government to pressure Israel to halt its blockade of Gaza. Demonstrators demanded Australia take stronger action, including the imposition of sanctions, to address what they described as the starvation of Palestinians.

By Sabina Mammadli