United Kingdom: David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, has confirmed that the largest UK-funded aid to Gaza crossed the border and is now being distributed by the United Nations (UN).
The aid, which includes more than 2000 tonnes of food, is being distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) on the ground. Additionally, 150 tonnes of relief items such as blankets and tents arrived and will be circulated by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Furthermore, a UK field hospital run by UK-Med arrived in Gaza and is now functional, delivering life-saving care.
Fortified wheat flour for bakeries, hot meals, and Ready To Eat (RTE) food parcels are included in this delivery. In Gaza, more than 275,000 people will be fed by these food parcels. A food parcel will provide enough food for a family of five, as well as canned vegetables, meat, and fish, as well as date bars. Over 15 days, the parcel can satisfy half the family’s daily calorie needs.
Earlier this week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that famine is imminent in the northern Gaza Strip and that a worsening situation could lead to famine in the south.
David Cameron stated that, “It’s crucial that we keep the flow of aid moving into Gaza to end the suffering, and that’s why this latest delivery of aid by WFP is so vitally important. The IPC’s report warns of imminent famine. We need sustained humanitarian access by road to get more aid in. We continue to push Israel to allow more crossings to open and for longer, and for healthcare, water and sanitation to be restored.”
Jordan played a key role in supporting the UK’s humanitarian response and again facilitated the latest delivery. Authorities of Jordan functioned closely with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation to assure the path of nearly 600 trucks carrying 8,000 tons of food and relief supplies into Gaza since the opening of the corridor in December 2023.
Ten different international organisations provided humanitarian aid to Gaza, including UK partners UNICEF and WFP. While Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to grow, the UK remains committed to making sure aid reaches those who need it most.
In a recent statement, the Foreign Secretary made clear that Israel must improve its ability to allocate assistance to Gaza in a safe manner. As part of this effort, a land crossing will be opened in the north and more visas will be issued to UN staff who will be able to deliver aid once it reaches Gaza.
POPULAR | Gaza aid shortage; UK’s patience wanes with Israel
