Australia provides $10m humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by conflict in Gaza

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The Australian government is giving $10 million in humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza, with an indication that further assistance could be in the pipeline.

The International Committee of the Red Cross will see $3 million of the money in order to provide medical support to victims of the conflict.

The other $7 million will be dispersed through United Nations agencies to help deliver critical support including emergency water, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as child protection.

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"We have seen devastating loss of innocent life since the heinous attacks on Israel by brutal terrorist group Hamas, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said.

"Far from representing the Palestinian people, Hamas undermines Palestinian needs and aspirations.

"We continue to call for the unconditional release of all hostages. We stand with Israel and reiterate its right to defend itself."

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Minister Wong joined US president Joe Biden in calling for Israel to operate by the rules of war and allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians affected by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"We call for the establishment of a corridor to enable humanitarian needs to be met. And we support the work of the United States, Egypt and others towards this goal," she said.

This is not the first time an Australian government has donated the exact sum of $10 million to Palestinians affected by conflict with Israel.

After a major Israeli offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza in 2009, the then Labor government contributed $10 million, then an additional $20 million, to help with the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.