LONDON(RAHNUMA): The UK has criticized Israel over delayed aid deliveries to Gaza after a consignment of more than 1,100 tents took over a year to arrive there, the BBC reported.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said other UK-funded aid had failed to reach Palestinians despite the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The UN has warned that 1.5 million people in the Palestinian enclave require urgent winter shelter amid worsening rain and plummeting temperatures.
The British tent delivery arrived on Monday. More of the structures, which can each house a family of five, are expected to arrive later this week.
Over the winter, the combined tent package will provide much-needed shelter for up to 12,000 Palestinians, UK government sources said.
But further delays to aid deliveries cannot be allowed, said Cooper, calling for the opening of all crossings into Gaza and unimpeded aid access.
“The situation in Gaza remains dire, with worsening weather conditions compounding the critical issues caused by damaged infrastructure and over two years of conflict,” she added.
“Parents have been trying to shelter their children under broken roofs and open skies. These tents will provide a lifeline to thousands of people needing shelter, protecting them from the cold winds and relentless rain turning rubble into mud.”
According to UN statistics, about 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza — almost 90 percent of the population — have been displaced since October 2023.
The British tent delivery “represents months of ongoing work by the international community to push for greater aid access,” Cooper said, adding that she was frustrated to see “yet another consignment of aid stuck at the border.”
Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF’s special representative to Palestine, said: “The situation in Gaza is devastating as cold and heavy rains continue to affect families living in extremely difficult conditions.
“Even with the ceasefire, daily life remains incredibly challenging for children in the Gaza Strip.
“UK aid–supported tents have now entered Gaza and will provide urgently needed shelter to help families face the harsh winter. Much more is needed.”
