The UK Foreign Secretary has pledged an additional £30 million in aid to deal with the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories( OPTs). In addition to the £30 million already committed, this funding aims to assist dependable partners—including local UN agencies—in providing Gazans with life-saving aid.
During meetings with Israeli officials, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the need for easier access to offer crucial assistance, such as fuel and medical supplies. In order to find a long-term political solution to the crisis, discussions also centered on assisting the Palestinian Authority through capacity building and training.
The announcement comes as the fourth UK aircraft touched down in Al Arish, Egypt, carrying 23 tonnes of supplies, including sleeping mats and blankets. The UN Relief and Works Agency( UNRWA) in Gaza is supposed to distribute the aid.
Grant Shapps, the defense secretary, emphasized the UK’s dedication to offering immediate humanitarian aid, with the Royal Air Force (RAF) playing a crucial part in doing so.
The Foreign Secretary urged all parties to move forward with the hostage-release and brief cessation of hostilities agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was mediated by Qatar and Egypt. To ensure that aid is delivered to Gaza quickly and to safeguard civilians from harm, the UK is still looking into a number of options, including land, maritime, and air routes.
