THE AGE – 17 JANUARY 2024

Australia will boost funding to help Palestinian civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Penny Wong announced after arriving in the Middle East for her first visit as foreign minister.

Wong, who held meetings in Jordan on Tuesday ahead of visits to Israel, the West Bank and the United Arab Emirates later this week, said the government would provide an extra $22 million in humanitarian assistance to the Middle East.

The government said the latest round of funding would be “directed to conflict-affected populations in the occupied Palestinian territories and to address the ongoing regional refugee crisis, with a focus on women and children”.

After a meeting with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman, Wong said that Australia respects the independence of the International Court of Justice, which is considering a genocide charge against Israel brought by South Africa.

But she added: “Our support for the ICJ and respect for its independence does not mean we accept the premise of South Africa’s case. We will continue to work for a just and enduring peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”

Wong faced pressure from the political right and left as she departed on the diplomatic mission, with the Coalition and pro-Israel advocates criticising her for declining to visit southern Israeli communities attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7.

Meanwhile, the Greens called for her to forcefully demand a ceasefire while in Israel, as left-wing Labor MPs urged the government to take a hard line against extremist Israeli settlers.

announcing the new round of humanitarian funding, Wong said: “Australia is gravely concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“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.

“We are working with our international partners to ensure desperately needed food and other humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.”

In the new funding package, Australia will provide $4 million to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for emergency services and supplies; $6 million through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for urgent assistance including food, shelter and emergency health care; and $11.5 million to refugee programs in Lebanon and Jordan amid increasing instability in the region.

The extra funding for the UN agency is likely to anger local pro-Israel groups who have previously accused the agency of helping foster antisemitism and extremism in the West Bank and Gaza. The agency has denied the allegations.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is speaking in Adelaide before her departure for the Middle East.

Australia’s total humanitarian commitment since the October 7 attacks now stands at more than $46 million.

International Development Minister Pat Conroy said: “International humanitarian law must be adhered to and there must be safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations.

“Australia’s additional support prioritises the immediate needs of women and children, as well as distributing essential supplies and services.”