MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government will provide $2 million for immediate humanitarian relief supplies and services for victims of the current unrest in Lebanon and $500,000 for Israel.
Australia's International Aid Agency, AusAID, will provide $2 million through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRC), which have assumed a leading role in coordinating humanitarian response efforts in Lebanon, and are assisting families and vulnerable groups displaced or isolated by the conflict.
The Australian assistance will enable the Lebanon Red Cross Society to meet the immediate needs of thousands of affected civilians with food and water, medical supplies, shelter and hygiene kits.
The ICRC and the Lebanese Red Cross Society are also distributing medical kits, medicines and consumables to hospitals to ensure sufficient supplies are available to treat the sick and injured.
Australia will continue to closely monitor developments in Lebanon and the Middle East.
Australia will also provide $500,000 for relief efforts to support those affected by the conflict in Israel. These funds, provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will help the Israel National Society (Magen David Adom) provide essential medical, shelter and other humanitarian needs.
Media inquiries:
Tony Parkinson (Minister's Office) 0409 536 410
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590