A second UK flight carrying equipment that will support humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving supplies to Gaza arrived in Egypt.
This will be followed by several further flights to deliver 30 tonnes of vital equipment such as forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers, which have been specifically requested by UK partners in the region, including the Egyptian Red Crescent.
The equipment will be set up close to the Rafah border crossing – increasing the capacity of agencies to manage and deliver significant quantities of aid to those in Gaza. Rafah is currently the only entry point for aid into Gaza.
This follows the delivery of 21 tonnes of essential supplies, including wound care packs and water filters, which arrived in Egypt last week and was handed over to partner agencies working on the ground in Gaza.
“With an acute humanitarian crisis unfolding, today’s RAF airlift demonstrates yet again that the UK is committed to helping all suffering civilians. Our armed forces have rapidly deployed to get our partners on the ground what they urgently need and stand ready to continue supporting the humanitarian effort,” said Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.
The flights follow the UK Government’s £ 30 million increase in support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling its original commitment.
“The UK is determined to drive international efforts to ensure lifesaving aid reaches the people who need it most. This equipment, specifically requested by our partners on the ground, will bolster essential supplies including food and medicine to be delivered to large numbers of civilians. We continue to call for the regular delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the opening of more entry points to relive those who are suffering,” said International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell.
The UK continues to call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, minimise civilian casualties and for immediate access for lifesaving aid into Gaza, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel as a priority.
All UK aid undergoes rigorous oversight and multiple safeguards are in place to prevent it benefiting Hamas.
