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Albanese pledges $15M for Gaza prior to Biden dinner.

Australian Prime Minister Announces ⁤Additional Humanitarian Aid‌ for Gaza

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed that the government will provide an extra $15 million in humanitarian ⁢aid to Gaza during a joint⁣ press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden.

The two‍ leaders held a joint press conference ahead ⁤of an official ‍state dinner on Oct. 25 with 300 guests. This followed the leaders holding a private dinner on Oct. 24.

President Biden and Mr. Albanese‌ discussed the ‍Israel and Gaza conflict at​ both ‍the private⁣ dinner and official state visit on Oct. 25.

Mr. Albanese⁢ commended President Biden for⁣ his ​leadership during the Israel-Hamas conflict before ⁤announcing the extra funds for Gaza.

“Today I announce that Australia ‍will provide an additional ‌$15 million‍ in humanitarian ‌assistance‍ for civilians in Gaza. This ⁤adds to the $10 million Australia has already committed and will help deliver‍ life-saving assistance such as‍ emergency water and medical⁣ services,” Mr. ⁢Albanese said.

“The friendship between⁤ Australia and the United States‍ was forged in hard times.‍ We’ve served and sacrificed together in the cause of peace. We’ve helped each other through natural disasters.”

⁤U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and Prime Minister of Australia‍ Anthony Albanese hold a press conference the Rose Garden at the ‍White House ​in Washington, on⁣ Oct.‌ 25, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty ⁣Images)

The prime⁣ minister has so far not phoned the Israeli Prime Minister and⁤ is paying respects to both the people of Israel and Palestine.

“Australia⁣ unequivocally condemns the terrorism of Hamas. We grieve for​ the loss of every innocent life, whether that be⁤ Israeli or Palestinian,” Mr. Albanese said.

When asked in a⁤ press conference ⁤on ⁤Oct. 24 if he is ‌picking ​sides, Mr. Albanese said, “We⁢ pick a side ‍against Hamas.”

Biden Thanks Australia for Friendship

President Biden delivered some strong‍ words about the hurt the Israeli people felt after the “brutally⁢ inflicted devastation ⁢by ‍Hamas.”

“Israel has the right, and I would add responsibility, to respond to the slaughter of their people.‍ And we⁣ will ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against ⁢these terrorists. That’s ‍a guarantee,” he said.

“We also⁤ have to ⁤remember that Hamas does not represent, let me say‌ it again, ​Hamas does not represent the vast majority of the Palestinian​ people on the Gaza Strip or anywhere ⁢else. Hamas is ⁢hiding‌ behind Palestinian‌ civilians. And it’s despicable and, not surprisingly, cowardly⁤ as well.”

(L-R) Jodie Haydon, the partner of Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese,​ Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, U.S.⁣ President ‌Joe Biden and first lady Jill ​Biden wave during an arrival ceremony​ on the ‍South Lawn of⁤ the White House, in ⁣Washington, Oct. ⁣25, ​2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty ‌Images)

The⁤ United States⁣ is “working around the clock” with international partners on the release of⁤ hostages held by Hamas, President Biden said.

“And⁣ the safe ⁢passage of foreign nationals out of⁢ Gaza. Not just Americans, but Australians and a whole range ⁤of people who are trapped in Gaza,” he added.

President ‍Biden thanked​ Mr. Albanese for his​ partnership and friendship during “this difficult ​hour.”

“Over the⁢ past few weeks and for many​ months before we’ve ⁤seen each other. And we’ve seen our ​alliance ‌grow more critical than ever,” he​ said.

“And we need to‌ continue‌ to make⁣ this important progress. In⁢ our discussions⁣ today, we’ve done​ just that.”

In a post on ‌X, President Biden said⁣ the alliance between Australia and the⁤ United States has never been more important, adding “we ⁢have never been more committed.”

Commenting on ⁢the alliance between the two countries, Mr. Albanese⁢ said Australians and Americans shared a rich history, but always had an eye to ⁣the future.

“We’re united by a determination to overcome the challenges that⁢ we face, and⁢ we share an ambition to⁤ seize those opportunities which lay ​ahead of ​us,” Mr. Albanese said.

‌U.S. President Joe Biden (2nd-R)⁢ and first lady Jill Biden (R) ⁤welcome‍ Prime Minister ⁣of Australia Anthony Albanese and his ⁣partner Jodie Haydon to the White House ‍in Washington, on ‌Oct. 25, 2023. (Anna‌ Moneymaker/Getty Images)

White ⁤House ⁣State Dinner

Meanwhile, guests have arrived at the White House ‌South lawn for​ a‌ dinner with President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Mr.⁣ Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon.

The​ event includes an official welcoming ceremony, gun salute, national anthems, ⁣and remarks ‍by both Mr. ‌Albanese and⁢ President Biden.

Guests include the U.S.⁤ ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, Australian ambassador ‍to the ‍U.S. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister’s Office Director of Policy⁤ Sam Trobe, Macquarie Group ​Chief ⁢Executive ‍Mark Vassella, Australian Resources ⁢Minister Madeleine King, Lynas ​Corporation Chief Executive Amanda Lacaze, and Australian⁢ Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V’landys.

Senior Biden administration officials also feature ​on the list, including the Secretary​ of State Anthony Blinken and Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs‌ Elizabeth Allen.

The event was more low ⁣key ​than usual due ‌to the⁢ Israel-Hamas​ conflict. ​Originally, the White House had planned to​ invite the B-52s to perform, but instead elected‌ to entertain ‌guests with ‍military ⁤music.

How does ‍Australia’s commitment ⁢to providing humanitarian ‍aid to Gaza⁣ align with its⁢ stance on​ peace and stability in the Middle East?

To the $10 million‍ already provided this year,” Mr. ⁢Albanese said during ‍the press conference.

The humanitarian aid will be allocated to various initiatives aimed at improving ‌the⁢ living conditions of the people in Gaza, who have been severely affected by the ongoing conflict. It will support‌ programs providing access to clean ​water, healthcare services, and food assistance, among other essential needs. The additional funds will also contribute to the rebuilding efforts‍ in the region,‍ as many homes and infrastructure have ⁣been destroyed during the ‌conflict.

Australia’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza aligns with‍ its longstanding support for peace and stability⁢ in the Middle ​East. It recognizes the urgent⁣ need to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the importance‍ of providing immediate assistance⁤ to‌ those affected.

The announcement of additional aid reinforces Australia’s position as a responsible global citizen and its commitment to promoting international cooperation in​ crisis situations. It also highlights ‍the strong relationship between Australia and the United ⁤States ⁣in addressing global challenges and finding solutions to complex issues.

President Biden commended Australia’s contribution and expressed his appreciation for the country’s commitment to assisting those in need. He stressed the importance of⁣ international collaboration and solidarity in⁤ addressing humanitarian crises and acknowledged the ‍significant role that Australia plays in this regard.

The Australian government’s ‍decision to provide additional humanitarian aid to Gaza demonstrates its⁢ dedication to ⁢supporting vulnerable populations⁤ and working towards a more peaceful and prosperous world. It‍ recognizes that humanitarian assistance is not ​only a moral imperative but also a crucial component of ⁣long-term conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.

This announcement comes‍ at a ⁢critical time‌ when the people of Gaza are in dire need of assistance⁢ and support. It sends a strong message of solidarity and hope to the people ⁣affected​ by the conflict, assuring them that ‍they are not forgotten and that the international community stands with them in their time of need.

As the situation ⁣in ‌Gaza remains volatile and complex,‌ it⁢ is essential for the international community to continue providing humanitarian aid and support to help alleviate the ​suffering of the people and lay the foundations for a sustainable and just peace‍ in⁢ the region.

Australia’s commitment to additional humanitarian aid for Gaza underscores the country’s principles of compassion, empathy, and commitment to promoting a better world. It ⁢serves as an example ‍for other nations ‌to follow and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises and working towards ‌lasting peace and stability.



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