Australian Foreign Minister Urges End to Gaza War, Highlights Humanitarian Efforts

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for an end to the war in Gaza, emphasizing Australia's role in international efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery to the besieged region. In a press statement released by the Australian Embassy in Amman on Tuesday, Wong affirmed Australia's commitment to the International Call to Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza conference, hosted by Jordan. Australia's delegation at the conference is led by Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth, Anne Aly, representing the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic," Aly stated. "Over one million Palestinians are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity and around 1.7 million people have been displaced, many several times over. Humanitarian access remains grossly inadequate." Aly highlighted that Australia's participation underscores its continued support for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and address the humanitarian cris is in Gaza. "Australia has been advocating for urgent humanitarian assistance to reach Palestinians in desperate need. We have been clear that Israel must comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including enabling the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale," the statement added. Since the onset of the Israeli aggression on Gaza on October 7, Australia has committed $62.5 million in humanitarian aid to the region, including $41 million for urgent needs in Gaza. This funding targets those affected by the war, focusing on women and children, and provides support for food, water, medicine, and shelter. Source: Jordan News Agency