In a critical response to the worsening situation in Gaza, the UK has announced it will provide an extra £8.5 million in humanitarian aid. This announcement coincides with Israel’s recent declaration to bolster its military actions in the region.
Baroness Jenny Chapman, the Development Minister, emphasized that this funding aims to “address urgent needs” in Gaza, but stressed the importance of ensuring that aid can actually get to those in need. She urged that Israel must permit the inflow of assistance to their besieged populace, stating, “It’s unacceptable for so much help to be stranded at the border. The UK stands ready to send more support through our partners, and we demand that the Israeli government allows safe and secure aid entry.”
Chapman pointed out the dire circumstances many civilians are facing, saying, “The shortage of supplies has triggered terrible chaos as many desperately seek even small amounts of help.” This financing is part of a £101 million commitment made by the UK for aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year, with the UN’s Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinating its distribution.
As reported by OCHA, the humanitarian needs in Gaza remain severe with 2.1 million people struggling for access to food and clean water, especially amid a brutal heatwave, compounded by significant obstacles affecting aid delivery.
The announcement of increased aid follows a coalition including Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his counterparts from various nations like Australia and Germany, who have publicly condemned Israel’s plan to escalate the conflict by taking over Gaza City.
On a related note, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office revealed plans aimed at “demilitarizing the Gaza Strip,” asserting that Israel seeks to maintain security oversight in the region and introduce a new civil administration that is neither under Hamas’ nor the Palestinian Authority’s control.
The foreign ministers collectively stated their grave concerns, articulating that these actions “risk breaching international law” and that attempts to annex territory or expand settlements similarly violate legal standards.
They underscored their collective determination to work towards a two-state solution, which they believe is essential for both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and with dignity. They highlighted the contentions surrounding governance in Gaza, articulating a vision where the Palestinian Authority plays a primary role, utilizing the political framework of a negotiated resolution void of Hamas’s influence.
In a sharp criticism of Israel’s actions, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer characterized their approaches as “wrong,” advocating for the need for a ceasefire with a boost in humanitarian assistance, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the pursuit of a negotiated agreement.
A UN Security Council meeting focusing on Israel’s strategy was initially slated for Saturday but will now proceed on Sunday at approximately 3 PM UK time.
