New Zealand will be supplying humanitarian support to Israel and Gaza, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says.
The New Zealand Government will be providing $5 million in funding to help address urgent humanitarian needs in the region.
"New Zealand is deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories,” he said.
“The situation continues to evolve rapidly, and New Zealand is joining other likeminded countries to support those civilians and communities affected by the conflict."
Hipkins said an initial contribution of $2.5 million will be donated to International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and a further $2.5 million will be donated to to the World Food Programme (WFP) under the umbrella of the United Nations appeal.
“The ICRC protects and assists victims of armed conflicts under international humanitarian law, and is working to gain access to people held hostage, distributing cash and other assistance to displaced people, and providing essential medical assistance and supplies," Hipkins said.
“New Zealand calls for rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable the delivery of crucial life-saving assistance. We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, and uphold their obligations to protect civilians, and humanitarian workers, including medical personnel.”
The Government has also requested that the New Zealand Defence Force remain on standby to help evacuate New Zealanders in Israel or Gaza if necessary, however the majority of registered individuals in the warzone have been removed.
New Zealand's contribution was agreed upon by recent Prime Minister-elect, Christopher Luxon.
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