Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the (a) effectiveness and (b) reliability of routes for humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
The UK is clear that Israel can and must do more to ensure that humanitarian assistance can move freely and safely into and within Gaza. October saw the lowest number of humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza since the crisis began, and the hugely concerning breakdown of law and order in Gaza is further restricting efforts to move aid within the territory. At a UK-chaired meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 18 November, the Foreign Secretary underlined that there is no excuse for Israel's ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid. Israel must end its aid restrictions and ensure that the UN and humanitarian partners can work safely and effectively. The Foreign Secretary also emphasised this in his 14 November call with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar. And at a 12 November UNSC meeting, Lord Collins reiterated the UK's condemnation of Israel's ongoing aid restrictions. We continue to work alongside partners to press for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a significant increase in aid to Gaza.
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