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The Australian Council for International Development, (ACFID) the peak body for development and humanitarian agencies, has today issued a joint statement alongside 24 humanitarian agencies, calling on the Australian Government to take further action to address the horrific humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank by funding an initial surge of $50 million in humanitarian assistance amid a temporary cessation of hostilities.
In the statement, ACFID and its members have welcomed the six-week ceasefire deal, expressing hope that this is just the start of a peaceful and safe future for people in Gaza, Israel and across the West Bank. As a priority, it urges that world leaders focus diplomacy on a permanent cessation of hostilities and a sustainable political solution that benefits both Israelis and Palestinians.
“ACFID and the sector call on the Australian Government to fund an initial surge of humanitarian assistance and to show leadership in advocating for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers as outlined under the Government’s work in initiating a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel,” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian and Public Engagement Lead.
Australian NGOs operating on the ground are calling for generous support from the Australian Government and the public to help ensure further delivery of essential assistance alongside local partners on the ground. This is urgently needed to address a widespread electricity, healthcare and sanitation crisis across Gaza. Gaza also continues to be on the brink of famine.
“ACFID continues to call for unhindered access to humanitarian assistance, and we continue to sound the alarm at the widespread humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Australia and the international community must step up now to prevent further devastation.”
“We remind the international community that this deal is divided into three phases. We will continue to advocate that each phase be implemented fully. We must not, and will not be silent until this happens.” said Ms Brooks.
You can read the joint statement in full here.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at media@acfid.asn.au or call 0401 721 064.