Anthony Albanese defends Penny Wong over controversial Israel move

Penny Wong has announced another $21m in humanitarian funding for Palestinians on the first day of her Middle East visit.

Australia will provide a further $21.5m in aid for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the Israel-Hamas war.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong made the announcement following a meeting with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi on the first day of her Middle East visit.

“The funding will be directed to conflicted affected populations in the occupied Palestinian territories and also address the protracted refugee crisis,” Senator Wong said on Tuesday.

It would also “address the ongoing regional refugee crisis, with a focus on women and children.”

“Australia is gravely concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza,” she said.

“Australia continues to call for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations, and further humanitarian pauses to enable the scaled up delivery of aid, safe passage for civilians and the release of hostages.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the new funding at a joint press conference in Amman on Tuesday. Supplied

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi at a press conference in Amman. Supplied.

Australia has now committed more than $46m to humanitarian funding for the region since the outbreak of the war following the Hamas attack on Gaza on October 7 that left, 1200 Israelis dead and 200 kidnapped.

Of the new funding $4m will be provided to the Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations and $6m to the UN Flash Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

About $11.5m will go to refugee programs in both Lebanon and Jordan.

Senator Wong, who is facing criticism for not including a visit to southern Israel where the Hamas attacks occurred, repeated that Australia wanted a sustainable ceasefire.

“As a friend, Jordan, as a friend of the Palestinian people, as a friend of Israel’s we can say our view is that peace ultimately will only come if there is genuine progress towards peace and security for Israel and for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations,” she said.

The two ministers were also asked about South Africa’s claim, currently before the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza in the wake of their bombardment of the strip since October.

Senator Wong reiterated that Australia was not a party to the matter, but Mr Safadi reiterated Jordan’s support and would make submissions if invited.

“I do not really se ewhy Israel has a problem with South Africa going to the court,” he said.

“The court will examine the case and make a judgment.”

Backlash over Wong’s itinerary

Senator Wong’s week long visit to the Middle East – the first by an Australian minister since October 7 – will also include Israel, occupied Palestinian territories and the United Arab Emirates.

But it’s her decision not to visit the kibbutzim in southern Israel where Hamas killed more than 1200 Israelis and took more than 200 hostage that has drawn the ire of Jewish Australians and the Coalition.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in Amman, Jordan on the first stop of her Middle East visit. Photo: Daniel Walding / Handout via NCA Newswire

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Senator Wong’s itinerary, saying she was not the first foreign minister not to visit the sites.

“The fact is that a range of foreign ministers, including the foreign minister of Canada and other countries did not visit the kibbutzes (sic) when they visited Israel,” Mr Albanese said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed in Foreign Minister Penny Wong over her decision not to visit southern Israel. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

“Penny Wong is visiting Israel to speak to family and friends of the hostages – both those people who have been released, but also the families who quite rightly want their loved ones released.

“Australia reiterates our call for every single hostage to be released, unconditionally and immediately. That is our position. It is a clear and unequivocal position that we have had from day one.”

His comments came as reports emerged that Hamas had killed two hostages, more than 100 days after they were taken.

Senator Wong will visit Israel, occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Russell Millard

On Monday, the Coalition’s home affairs spokesman James Paterson called on Mr Albanese to “direct” Senator Wong to visit the kibbutzim.

“I think it’s very unfortunate that (Senator Wong) appears to have needed to be dragged kicking and screaming to visit Israel,” Senator Paterson said.

“It’s disappointing it’s taken (her) this long to do so.”

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has been vocal in their critique of Senator Wong’s decision not to visit the sites.

Co-chief executives Peter Wertheim and Alex Ryvchin said it was “insulting and deeply concerning”.

“Personally inspecting the south and witnessing the carnage and destruction would not only convey Australia’s support, it is essential to understanding the depth of evil that Israel faces and the necessity of its war to defeat Hamas,” they said on Monday.