Anne Aly heads to Jordan conference dealing with humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Federal frontbencher Anne Aly is representing Australia at an emergency international conference in Jordan to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The gathering of international leaders, convened by Jordan, Egypt and the United Nations, seeks a collective coordinated response to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

As well as politicians, the heads of international humanitarian and relief agencies are expected to take part.

Dr Aly said Australia’s participation emphasised the Government’s ongoing support for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic,” she said.

“Over 1 million Palestinians are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity and around 1.7 million people have been displaced, many several times over. Humanitarian access remains grossly inadequate.”

Australia has committed $62.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the region, including $41 billion for urgent needs in Gaza, since the conflict with Israel began on October 7 with the Hamas attacks.

The Government says Australia’s funding is being directed to conflict-affected people with a focus on women and children, including to support food, water, medicines and shelter.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the human suffering in Gaza was unacceptable and the war must end.

“Dr Anne Aly and her family are among many in the Australian community who have lived experience and understanding of the long and devastating conflict in the Middle East,” she sais.

“We are fortunate that Dr Aly will bring her deep professional expertise and her perspectives as an Egyptian-born Australian in representing our country at this conference hosted by Egypt, Jordan and the UN.”

Dr Aly, who represents the WA seat of Cowan, has previously spoken about her father fighting in the 1967 Six Days War in Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will also join the Jordan conference as well as travelling to Egypt, Israel and Qatar this week to discuss the need to reach a ceasefire agreement that secure the release of all Israeli hostages.

Israeli forces rescued four more hostages over the weekend.

The US has proposed a new ceasefire deal which it says is backed by countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the 16 nations with citizens still being held by Hamas.