‘Dire’: Australia’s big move on Gaza

It comes amid soaring tensions across the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas continues.

Australia will give a fresh round of humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas nears one year.

Health authorities in the densely populated Palestinian territory have said the death toll has risen above 40,000, with millions more displaced facing severe food shortages and no access to basic healthcare or sanitary products.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Monday that Australia would commit a further $10m in aid targeting women and girls.

“Australia’s support will help address the dire humanitarian situation with the delivery of nutrition and essential hygiene and health products,” Senator Wong said in a statement.

“Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must reach civilians, and aid workers must be protected to enable their lifesaving work.”

She added that the government was continuing “to press for a ceasefire, the protection of civilians and the release of hostages”.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the fresh aid would help deliver ‘nutrition and essential hygiene and health products’. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The aid will be directed to UN agencies operating in Gaza and bring Australia’s total humanitarian funding to $82.5m since the start of the war.

Israel launched its military action in Gaza after Hamas, the Iran-backed terrorist group that administers the Palestinian territory, killed 1200 in its brutal October 7 attacks last year.

Much of Hamas’ assault was captured in graphic videos that flooded social media.

Witnesses on the ground shared accounts of whole families being killed and horrific sexual violence.

Hamas fighters took hundreds more hostage as they retreated back into Gaza.

More to come

Originally published as ‘Dire’: Australia’s big move on Gaza