UK Delivers Field Hospital and Further Aid to Gaza

The UK has dispatched a comprehensive field hospital to Gaza, capable of rapid deployment within 48 hours of arrival.

It is equipped with various medical facilities including a pharmacy and units for maternity care, major injuries, and resuscitation.

Following 150 tonnes of preliminary aid, which encompasses tents, blankets, and hygiene products entering Gaza today, the hospital, funded by UK Aid and operated by UK-Med, will provide treatment for over 100 patients daily and is managed by international and local medical staff.

The Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, has announced an additional £10m aid package for Palestinian territories, raising this year's contribution to over £100m. He emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for the 3.1 million people in need, with 500,000 facing famine risks.

Alongside this initiative, Lord Cameron advocates for Israel to facilitate aid delivery through port access and increased UN worker visas. Despite establishing a Cyprus-Gaza maritime aid corridor, he highlights that land delivery remains crucial.

After a delay, an aid vessel, Open Arms, has left Cyprus with nearly 200 tonnes of supplies for Gaza. Simultaneously, a US military ship is also heading to the region with aid.

The UN notes that 25% of Gaza's population faces starvation and criticizes Israel for impeding aid flow due to military operations and restrictions, particularly after the 7th October cross-border attack by Hamas and subsequent retaliation by Israel. Despite over 30,000 Palestinian casualties reported by Gaza's health ministry, Israel maintains there is no limit to the aid allowed into Gaza.