Australia has announced an additional commitment of $11 million in humanitarian aid aimed at civilians in Gaza, who are enduring severe hardships amid ongoing Israeli strikes following the collapse of a ceasefire.

The funding will be directed towards urgent necessities such as health care, food, and water supplies, issues that have become increasingly critical due to the intensive bombardment of the blockaded region, where over two million people are currently trapped.

The Palestinian health ministry reports that Israel's military actions have resulted in significant casualties, stating that more than 50,000 individuals have lost their lives, including at least 15,000 children.

This escalation of violence was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants conducted a cross-border attack, killing approximately 1,200 Israelis and taking over 250 hostages.

During a recent statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of sustained humanitarian aid and called for a renewed diplomatic effort to restore the ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.

"Australia is engaging diplomatically as part of the international call for all parties to return to the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza," Wong remarked, stressing the need for the protection of civilians and for humanitarian assistance to be delivered unimpeded.

Since the beginning of October 2023, Australia’s total commitment to aid for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza has reached nearly $125 million.

Meanwhile, notable Australian philanthropists Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest have highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid access in the region and for the safety of aid workers.

They stated, "Nowhere is safe in Gaza — recent strikes reportedly hit makeshift shelters housing sleeping children and families, and United Nations premises have come under deadly attack." The philanthropists expressed deep concern for the suffering of the people in Gaza, particularly children, who constitute nearly half of the population in the area.

In addition to the funding for Gaza, Australia is also directing $15 million towards humanitarian needs in Myanmar and Afghanistan, focusing particularly on vulnerable women.

The allocation includes $7 million in food assistance for approximately one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, who have fled violence from the Myanmar military junta and associated militias.

An additional $3 million will support those displaced along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Furthermore, in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has regained control, Australia will provide $5 million to enable United Nations partners to deliver essential services to women and girls.

These services will address critical issues such as sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and the needs of displaced individuals.

Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting Afghan women and girls, acknowledging their resilience in the face of repeated human rights violations under Taliban rule.

She remarked, "Helping others in crisis reflects Australian values but also supports our interests in a peaceful, stable world.

Australia’s contribution will provide life-saving assistance to people enduring immense suffering."