UK Defence Minister to visit Israel, West Bank to push humanitarian aid in Gaza
Israel and the occupied West Bank this week to expedite humanitarian aid to Gaza, aiming to discuss direct aid delivery by sea during talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, CNN reported on Thursday.
Shapps emphasised the search for the quickest and most direct routes, including options by land, sea, and air. Additionally, four Royal Air Force flights carrying over 74 metric tons of aid for Palestinians have landed in Egypt.
Shapps will also address progress on recovering hostages, including Britons taken by Hamas in the October 7 attack.
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is scheduled to open for foreign nationals and dual citizens to exit the strip, including 63 US citizens and individuals from Romania, the UK, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, along with 13 United Nations personnel intending to enter Gaza. Rafah, not controlled by Israel, has been crucial for aid entry and people escaping since Israel's conflict with Hamas in October.
Several UN agencies warn of a dire situation in Gaza, with Israel approving a «minimal» increase in fuel permitted to prevent a «humanitarian collapse.»
The World Health Organisation notes Gaza's health system is near collapse, and the World Food Programme warns of a humanitarian system breakdown, stating, «Everyone in #Gaza is hungry.» The Israeli military advances in the south, surrounding the home of Hamas' leader, seen as a «symbolic victory.»
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday evening released a statement clarifying two points.
