Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has issued a cautionary message to Israel, asserting that British support is not without conditions, particularly amidst concerns of famine in Gaza.
This warning comes as the UK government steps up efforts to provide aid to the region, deploying a Royal Navy ship to assist in humanitarian operations.
The situation in Gaza has been described as dire by the UK Foreign Secretary, with the looming threat of famine exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In response, the UK government has pledged £9.7 million in funding and announced the establishment of a maritime aid corridor to facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance.
Lord Cameron stressed the importance of Israel upholding international humanitarian law, given its status as an occupying power in Gaza.
This call for accountability follows the tragic loss of three British aid workers in Gaza due to airstrikes carried out by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) earlier in April. The incident has prompted condemnation and calls for action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
In light of the escalating crisis, several humanitarian agencies have suspended operations in Gaza, further underscoring the urgency of delivering aid to the region’s vulnerable population.
The UK government has called for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers operating in Gaza, emphasizing the need for unimpeded access to deliver assistance effectively.
In addition to providing financial support and deploying naval assets, the UK is collaborating with international partners to establish a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza. This initiative aims to streamline aid delivery and alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s population.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the pivotal role of the UK Armed Forces in delivering aid, including recent airdrops of food supplies for Gaza residents.
The UK’s multifaceted approach underscores its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and providing much-needed assistance to those in need.