Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced another $21.5 million ($US14.1 million) for Palestinian civilians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict. This funding, provided by Ms. Wong during her trip to the Middle East, includes diplomatic talks in Israel on the war.
Opposition Home Affairs spokesman James Paterson expressed concerns over the funding allocation to a United Nations agency that has historical links to Hamas. The $21.5 million, which includes a $6 million contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), has raised fears that taxpayer dollars could find their way into the hands of Hamas. Mr. Paterson sought assurance from the government that this would not happen.
Speaking from Jordan, Ms. Wong defended the funding, emphasizing that it is directed to conflict-affected populations in the occupied Palestinian territories. She also met with Israeli officials during her visit to Israel, expressing Australia’s support for the country and condemning terrorist attacks.
Mr. Paterson’s concerns were echoed by Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham, who visited Israel in December and emphasized the need to remove Hamas as a terrorist threat. Both politicians have called for transparency and responsible use of taxpayer dollars in relation to the funding for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.