Australian NGO, South Korea to provide aid to civilian victims of Israel-Palestine conflict

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – Australia and South Korea announced on Thursday that they will provide humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The Australia Minderoo Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has announced AUD $10 million (over $6.3 million) in humanitarian aid, including urgent medical supplies, emergency water and nutrition, and child protection.

"We have committed AU$10million for humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza," the organization said on X.

Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a major concern for Australia.

"We welcome Minderoo’s contribution, matching Australia’s $10 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza," she said.

Codemning the attack on al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza as "unconscionable" and "war crime," the Medical Association for Prevention of War called on Australian government to "withhold all political support from the Israeli government."

It urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese government to "stop any weapons exports from Australia to Israel."

Separately, the South Korean government has announced that it will provide $2 million in humanitarian aid to civilian victims of the armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, local media said.

Humanitarian aid will be provided through international organizations, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported, citing a Foreign Ministry statement.

"Our government expresses deep concerns over the increasing number of civilian casualties due to the escalating armed conflict between Israel and Hamas," the ministry's spokesperson, Lim Soo-suk, said.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid