REACTION: UK government supporting humanitarian aid air drops into Gaza

Dr Halima Begum, Oxfam GB Chief Executive said: 

“Israel has been blocking humanitarian aid for months now, and it is deeply distressing to know that hundreds of tonnes of food are sat awaiting delivery just a few miles from camps where tens of thousands of people, including babies and children, are in the grips of starvation.

“While the Prime Minister has finally acknowledged the devastating scale of Israel’s actions this week, rhetoric alone will make no difference to the appalling suffering in Gaza – and only compounds the intellectual and moral incoherence of continued UK arms sales to Israel.

“Air drops of humanitarian aid are wholly inadequate, dangerous and dehumanising - a gesture and a distraction that do nothing to ensure Israel is meeting its obligations to stave off starvation. The UK must press Israel to lift the siege and allow the free flow of aid into and throughout Gaza, with the immediate opening of Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings a first step.

“President Trump is key to ensuring the Israeli government complies with international law and end the starvation of civilians. At their Monday meeting, the Prime Minister must make clear to the US President that the UK believes it imperative for Israel to scale up the delivery of humanitarian aid. Together they must work for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to end the death and suffering, and to ensure the release of all hostages and unlawful Palestinian detainees.”