MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Australia will provide a further $20 million to assist the Palestinian Territories and the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
Australia will make this commitment at an international donors' conference on the recovery of Gaza in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, 2 March 2009.
The conference aims to build on the initial humanitarian response to help restore services and provide a basis for reconstruction.
Australia's funding will support the efforts of the Palestinian Authority, United Nations agencies, the World Bank and other donors to restore shelter and basic services for thousands of Gaza residents displaced by the conflict.
Today's announcement is in addition to $10 million provided in January for emergency and humanitarian relief through United Nations agencies and international and Australian Non-Government Organisations.
Assessments of damage to infrastructure are continuing. United Nations agencies report widespread damage to vital infrastructure resulting in a lack of shelter and energy, deterioration of water and sanitation services, and overcrowding. The World Health Organisation estimates 100,000 people are displaced and living in shelters organised by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency or with other families.
Australia's total development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian Territories now stands at $75 million since December 2007. This includes:
• $45 million in December 2007, a doubling of Australia's assistance to the Palestinian Territories;
• $5 million on 1 January 2009, an immediate humanitarian response to the conflict;
• $5 million on 27 January 2009, further humanitarian assistance in response to the conflict;
• $20 million today, Australia's pledge at the international donors' conference.
Australia's development and humanitarian assistance underscores our long standing commitment to a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Our assistance contributes to economic development, a vital prerequisite for building the capacity of an effective Palestinian state and ensuring the security of Israel.