MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will provide $1 million to help
provide medical care to people affected by violence in the West Bank and Gaza.
$800,000 will be provided through the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) and $200,000 through Australian Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).
This latest contribution is in addition to $500,000 provided for humanitarian
assistance in early October.
Australia's contribution to ICRC will provide life saving medical goods and
services, including support for mobile first-aid stations. Surgical kits, blood
pressure devices, IV holders, emergency cabinets, blankets, bed linen and
torches will be provided to help local Red Cross and Red Crescent personnel
respond to the medical emergencies.
As winter approaches, Australian funds will also provide tents, kerosene
heaters, generators and hot water devices to ICRC field hospitals.
The contribution to Australian NGOs will be made through the joint appeal
announced by the Australian Council for Overseas Aid (ACFOA) for medical and
emergency relief for hospitals and clinics in the West Bank and Gaza.
Tragically, the violence is continuing and the Australian Government
expresses its sympathy to those who have lost family and friends.
More than 300 people have died since the violence began in September, with
thousands more injured.
Mutual confidence must be restored and the cycle of violence brought to an
end. Australia looks to both parties to exercise leadership and restraint and to
renew their efforts to rebuild the peace process.
Media Contacts:
James Baker 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489