Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed the government will provide another $15 million (US$9.4 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza during a joint press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden.
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.”
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.
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.”
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 whole range of people who are trapped 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.”
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.
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 invited the B-52s to perform, but instead elected to entertain guests with military music.
