UK expresses concern over Israel blocking Gaza aid

The British government has expressed concern over the Israeli government's blocking of aid from entering the Gaza Strip after the first phase of the ceasefire ended. A Foreign Office spokesperson, commenting to Middle East Eye on Sunday evening, stated they were deeply concerned by reports that Israel had announced the suspension of all aid entering Gaza. This move exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.

The spokesperson emphasized that the UK urges all parties to engage constructively in negotiations for subsequent phases to ensure the agreement's full implementation and ultimately achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities. This appeal underscores the British government's serious concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for a lasting solution to the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement on Sunday morning confirming that Israel had blocked all supplies from entering Gaza. This action coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and followed Hamas's rejection of a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, raising concerns about the future of peace efforts.

Meanwhile, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the UK's International Development Secretary, resigned last Friday after the government announced significant cuts to the international aid budget, stating that this could affect projects in Gaza and Sudan. In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trevelyan wrote, "Tactical decisions are placing the entire burden on Official Development Assistance (ODA)." She added that despite government claims of wanting to continue supporting Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, maintaining these priorities would become impossible given the scale of the cuts.

Members of Parliament have urged the government to condemn Israel's actions. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described Israel's decision as "appalling" earlier on Sunday. He emphasized that international humanitarian law clearly states that humanitarian organizations must be allowed access to Gaza to provide vital, life-saving assistance. Former Labour leader and current independent MP Jeremy Corbyn stated that this is effectively a resumption of genocide, for which the British government bears responsibility, demanding immediate action to reverse the blockade.