MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will assist the United Nations Relief
and Works Agency (UNRWA) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to
help people affected by the recent violence in Palestinian territories.
The Australian Government is deeply concerned at the loss of life and injury
resulting from the violent confrontations occurring in recent days in the West
Bank, Gaza and parts of Israel.
I am also concerned at the damage the violence has done to
Israeli-Palestinian relations at a time when a final settlement to outstanding
issues in the peace process appeared increasingly close. It is imperative that a
ceasefire be put in place as soon as possible to stop the deaths and injury and
that negotiations resume to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement that would
act as a barrier to such outbreaks of violence in the future.
The Australian Government overseas aid program's contribution of $500,000
will be disbursed equally between ICRC and UNRWA to assist them in providing
drugs, first-aid supplies, medical equipment and emergency food aid.
The Australian Government hopes that the provision of emergency aid will be a
small but important step towards resolving the violence and encouraging a return
to the peace process.
Media contacts:
James Baker (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Greg Clough (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 / 0417 683 126