The allegations that a locally employed World Vision employee in the Gaza Strip has diverted aid funds from a range of international donors and provided support to Hamas are deeply troubling. World Vision has received Australian funds for programs in the Palestinian Territories.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is investigating this as a matter of the highest priority. Officials are urgently seeking more information from World Vision and the Israeli authorities.
We are suspending the provision of further funding to World Vision for programs in the Palestinian Territories until the investigation is complete.
DFAT has in place rigorous processes to investigate any report that aid funding has been misappropriated, consistent with DFAT's Fraud Control and Anti-Corruption Plan.
Australia's aid to the Palestinian Territories is intended for vital humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian community. Any diversion of the generous support of the Australian and international community for military or terrorist purposes by Hamas is to be deplored and can only harm the Palestinian people.