Australia calls for ‘rapid’ Gaza aid amid ‘dire’ situation

Resumen detallado

Chief diplomats from Australia and several other countries are warning the situation in Gaza is “dire” after deadly flooding.

Australia has joined international calls for “immediate, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza”, as the war-ravaged Palestinian territory reels from deadly flooding.

In a joint statement with Canada, Italy and the UK, Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned on Monday “the humanitarian situation on the ground is dire”.

“The recent floods have brought further suffering – and this was only the first storm of the winter,” the statement said.

“Yet 150,000 tents and other vital supplies are being held at the border and prevented from entering Gaza.”

The foreign ministers said the “situation is entirely reversible” and “there is still time to act before the winter fully sets in”.

“So we today urge the government of Israel to stop the delays now and allow immediate, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza,” they said.

“The crossings must be opened and the tents allowed in. Dual-use items necessary for humanitarian operations and early recovery must be granted entry before it is too late.”

Originally published as Australia calls for ‘rapid’ Gaza aid amid ‘dire’ situation

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