Penny Wong Advocates for Middle East Peace Amid Rising Tensions

Australia pledges $21.5m in humanitarian aid for Gaza as Wong meets with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has held talks with representatives from both Israel and Palestine, urging for peace and a ceasefire in the region.
Wong has called for the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, and met with relatives of these hostages.
Australia has pledged $21.5m in humanitarian aid for Gaza, bringing the total assistance since October to about $46m.
Wong has expressed strong concerns about the death toll in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation, and has visited communities affected by settler violence.
The Australian government has not taken a position on South Africa's case in the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.