By Manal Abdel Fattah
The UK Foreign Secretary announces further UK funding to tackle the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Foreign Secretary pressed to open up greater access for lifesaving support including medical supplies and fuel.
As the fourth UK aircraft of humanitarian aid arrives in Egypt, the UK pledges £30 million additional aid funding for Gaza.
The UK Foreign Secretary’s talks today will focus on how UK efforts can help alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He will also discuss supporting the Palestinian Authority, including through training and capacity building, and look towards a long-term political solution to the crisis. The Foreign Secretary will also meet aid agencies delivering UK-funded humanitarian support in Gaza.
The Foreign Secretary has announced that the UK will provide a further £30 million in humanitarian aid which will support trusted partners, including UN agencies on the ground, to deliver lifesaving aid to people in Gaza. It brings to £60 million the additional aid announced by the UK for Palestinian civilians since the crisis started in October.
Today’s additional funding comes as the fourth UK aircraft carrying humanitarian aid landed in Al Arish, Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza. The flight carried 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 4,500 blankets and 4,500 sleeping mats for distribution by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Foreign Secretary, David Cameron said: “We are hopeful that today will see the release of hostages, and I am urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage. A pause will also allow access for life-saving aid to the people of Gaza. I am proud that a fourth UK flight carrying critical supplies landed in Egypt, yesterday, and I can announce new £30m of funding which will be spent on vital aid such as shelter and medical provisions. It is vital to protect civilians from harm, and we are urgently looking at all avenues to get aid into Gaza, including land, maritime and air routes.”
