UN OCHA BRIEFING ON THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
3 November 2023
Statement by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
Thank you moderator and Under-Secretary-General, and I thank OCHA very much for this briefing and for the work that the United Nations is doing on the ground. Of course our sympathy and condolences for all those innocent civilians who have lost their lives.
Excellencies, colleagues,
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Human suffering is clearly widespread. Australia reiterates our call for full compliance with international law, protection of civilian lives and humanitarian pauses on hostilities to allow food, water, medicine and other essential assistance to reach people in desperate need and to enable civilians to get to safety.
We thank our international partners for their tireless work since the beginning of this conflict to facilitate the flow of supplies through the Rafah crossing. Life-saving aid must be increased and sustained, and with the Rafah crossing there must be accessibility for those who need to depart. Efforts to meet the significant humanitarian challenges in Gaza must continue.
Our government has announced a total of $25 million AUD in humanitarian assistance which is helping to help meet the urgent needs of affected communities, including women and children. Delivered through United Nations organisations and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, this support includes access to medical support, food, and emergency water, sanitation, hygiene and shelter services.
Australia continues to engage with counterparts to secure greater humanitarian access to Gaza and prevent the conflict from widening.
Australia stands ready to provide further support.