Commenting on the Independent Commission for
Aid Impact's (ICAI) report on the UK's humanitarian aid to
Gaza, also published today, IDC Chair said:
“How can we say that people trapped in Gaza are being treated in
accordance with international humanitarian law – or that the UK's
representations are having any meaningful effect? This
independent review affirms what the Committee saw when we visited
the region as far back as February, what we have heard in
evidence from aid workers on the ground - who have seen far too
many of their colleagues killed and injured - and what the whole
world is now finally seeing.
“Some countries are choosing to respond with serious action:
limiting arms sales to Israel and restoring funding to UNWRA. The
FCDO's response to our IDC report on the situation was full of
the right words, and the UK's increased aid to Gaza was very
welcome, but in the reality of the situation on the
ground these are nothing more than a gesture. Despite all the
diplomatic efforts and promises secured, a total of 59 aid
trucks crossed into Gaza between 5 and 13 May – the rest turned
back on excuses as flimsy as containing fruits with stones in
them. Before this horror, 500 aid trucks were entering Gaza daily
to meet normal need.
“The people of Gaza are being starved, deprived of water, and
indiscriminately killed and injured. Medics and aid workers are
dying. Mass graves are being uncovered. The money and words the
UK Government has thrown at this situation have been ineffectual,
but let's not pretend we are powerless. Enough is enough. The UK
must now step up to its proper place in the international
humanitarian system and take effective action.”
