News Desk
LONDON: The British Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, condemned Israel’s decision to block aid and tents destined for Gaza, calling it “unforgivable.”
Speaking in parliament during a debate on the humanitarian crisis, Falconer said Israel had previously agreed, without interference from the UN or other agencies, that aid would be allowed under a peace plan. He criticized Israel’s recent restrictions on 37 NGOs, including six branches of Doctors Without Borders and two of Oxfam, leaving large quantities of aid stranded at the border.
“Trucks are entering Gaza, but key crossings remain closed. Convoys are being turned back, and vital medical supplies and shelters are blocked. By shutting down NGOs, the peace plan cannot function,” he said. Falconer added that essential humanitarian supplies, such as tents funded by the UK, were trapped at the border, leaving civilians to shelter in damaged buildings amid cold weather, flooding, and storms.
He described the situation as “hypothermia and open sewage in the streets – simply unacceptable.” Labour MP Milania Ward echoed concerns, saying Israel’s aid restrictions mirrored the actions of North Korea, Russia, and Myanmar, and called for sanctions against Israeli officials. Fellow MP Imran Hussain warned that preventing aid could lead to deaths by hunger following the recent massacres, urging the UK to halt arms sales to Israel and impose broad restrictions.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Preeti Patel emphasized that humanitarian relief must reach those in need without negotiating with armed groups. Falconer’s remarks highlighted growing international frustration with Israel’s blockade as Gaza faces severe winter conditions and ongoing devastation.
