UK Warns Of Dire Gaza Aid Delays As Tents Arrive After One Year

The UK government has criticised prolonged delays in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza after a shipment of more than 1,100 tents it sent took over a year to reach the territory.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed concern that other UK-funded aid has also struggled to reach residents, despite the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. She described the humanitarian situation as “dire,” noting worsening weather and the urgent need for shelter.

The newly arrived tents, each designed to house a family of five, reached Gaza on Monday, with additional shipments expected later this week. Officials said the tents could provide shelter for up to 12,000 people during the winter months.

Cooper emphasised that aid delays must not continue, calling for all crossings into Gaza to be opened to ensure unhindered humanitarian access. She said, “Parents have been trying to shelter their children under broken roofs and open skies. These tents will provide a lifeline, protecting families from cold winds and relentless rain turning rubble into mud.”

Nearly 1.9 million people in Gaza about 90% of the population have been displaced since the October 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict, according to UN estimates. Cooper warned that while the arrival of aid is welcome, it is only a first step toward the extensive reconstruction urgently needed.

Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Special Representative to the State of Palestine, said the tents “represent months of ongoing international efforts to push for greater aid access.” He added that, despite the ceasefire, life remains extremely challenging for families in Gaza, with more humanitarian assistance urgently required to face the harsh winter.

Erizia Rubyjeana