Pressure is mounting on the New Zealand Government to provide aid money to assist with the worsening situation in Gaza, Radio New Zealand reports.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency says it urgently needs nearly $70 million to continue helping internally displaced people in Gaza.
The agency says it is sheltering 22,000 civilians, with that figure expected to more than double if the conflict continues. The money will provide food, shelter and medical supplies.
Green Party foreign affairs spokesperson Kennedy Graham says the New Zealand Government must contribute to show the people of Gaza that it cares about its plight.
Labour's Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shearer agrees, saying it would show that New Zealand is committed to meeting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinians who have been hit incredibly hard by the latest operation by Israel.
New Zealand does give money on an annual basis to the UN Relief and Works Agency. In this case, when it desperately needs it, the right thing to do to respond, Shearer says.
Prime Minister John Key said the Government is deeply concerned about the conflict in Gaza - particularly the escalation of violence. He said it continues to monitor the situation and would consider providing aid.
LISTEN to RNZ Israel correspondent Blair Cunningham’s latest report on Gaza:
