Australia pledges $3.5 million aid to Gaza victims

[depakid]

Source: International Harald Tribune

Australia called Thursday for peace in Gaza and promised 5 million Australian dollars ($3.5 million) in humanitarian aid to Palestinians caught in the current violence there. "The Australian government is gravely concerned by the escalating violence," acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in a statement.

"Australia is deeply saddened by the resultant, tragic loss of life in recent days, and strongly condemns the firing of rockets and mortars into southern Israel by Hamas and other militant groups," said Gillard, who is acting prime minister while Kevin Rudd is on vacation.

"While recognizing Israel's right to defend itself from such indiscriminate attacks, the Australian government supports the United Nations Security Council's call for an immediate halt to all violence," she added.

<snip>

Gillard said Israel must meet its humanitarian obligations to ensure that Gaza residents have access to basic necessities and humanitarian assistance.

Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/01/asia/AS-Australia-Gaza.php

[LynnTheDem]

1. Just can't be honest, fair, even-handed, can they.

Can't even just stick with real live factual reality.

Do they just not fucking get it???

*sigh*

[Indenturedebtor]

3. One could say the same of you.... get it? n/t

[cstanleytech]

2. Now thats nice of them, I just hope Israel

comes to its senses before its to late and realizes that their (Israel) supposed to be the good guys.

[ohio2007]

4. The UN needs to order OPEC to purchase Australian wheat at $50 bushel and donate the food to

to Gaza bakeries.

even though the oil bubble burst, obligations to their less fortunate brothers need to be ramped up in times like these.

:sarcasm:

[depakid]

5. Actually, other nations could simply follow Australia's example

In tough times- think about others and provide through appropriate diplomatic channels a little bit extra for folks who are suffering.

Note: there might be a reason why Ohians aren't taken seriously in America- or around the world.

And those reasons may have something to do with communities that have been devastated by their own hands and choices for years, all across the state.

Something to think about.