UK accuses Israel of weekslong aid delays at Gaza border

The British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has leveled accusations against Israel, alleging that the country is impeding aid efforts by blocking a crucial aid crossing in Gaza.

Cameron expressed "enormous frustration" over the routine delays faced by U.K. aid destined for Gaza, waiting for Israeli permissions.

He highlighted these concerns in a letter addressed to Alicia Kearns, chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, pointing out instances of "arbitrary denials" by the Israeli government.

'UK aid being stuck at border for just under 3 weeks'

"U.K. aid for Gaza has been routinely held up waiting for Israeli permissions. For instance, I am aware of some U.K.-funded aid being stuck at the border for just under three weeks waiting for approval," stated the foreign secretary.

Refuting claims made by Eylon Levy, a former Israeli spokesperson, Cameron clarified that the closure of the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Gaza had been closed on Saturdays at the request of the U.N.

Cameron said that Israel closed it due to the Sabbath.

In a now-deleted post on March 8, Levy claimed that there are no limits on the entry of food, water, medicine, or shelter equipment into Gaza.

"Test us. Send another 100 trucks a day to Kerem Shalom and we’ll get them in," he wrote on social media platform X, responding to a post by Cameron urging Israel to allow more aid.

'Israel’s arbitrary denials and lengthy clearance processes'

The foreign secretary highlighted the challenges faced in aid delivery, citing Israel's "arbitrary denials" and lengthy clearance processes as major obstacles.

Following Cameron's letter, Alicia Kearns issued a statement expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

"Today’s letter confirms what we saw and heard on our visit to the border area – that Israel’s arbitrary denials and lengthy clearance processes are key factors in holding up the delivery of aid," she noted.

She urged Israel to open additional border crossings, including Ashdod port, to facilitate the much-needed aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The Israeli war, now in its 167th day, has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of most food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the U.N.

Accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice have led to calls for immediate action to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

Source: Newsroom