Gaza latest: UN says no aid distributed so far as UK condemns Israel over ‘monstrous’ blockade
No humanitarian aid has reached Palestinians in Gaza yet, the UN said on Tuesday, after the UK condemned Israel’s “monstrous” 11-week blockade and ongoing attacks on the strip.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that despite more supplies being dropped off on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, none have reached the starving population.
“Today, one of our teams waited several hours for the Israeli green light to access the Kerem Shalom area and collect the nutrition supplies. Unfortunately, they were not able to to bring those supplies into our warehouse,” Dujarric said.
Israel allowed a handful of trucks to enter Gaza on Monday – but it was described as a “drop in the ocean” by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher.
He also warned that 14,000 babies are at risk of dying within 48 hours if more aid doesn’t enter Gaza quickly.
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, foreign secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of trade negotiations. He said of Israel’s actions: “We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
