- 12,000 vulnerable civilians to receive UK-funded shelter in
Gaza as tents finally allowed in
- As weather conditions deteriorate over winter, this equipment
offers Gazans a lifeline
- Foreign Secretary continues to push for much more aid to
enter Gaza, including vital shelter equipment still in the region
Essential family tents funded by the UK have arrived in Gaza to
provide shelter for thousands of civilians. Over 1,100 tents have
reached Gaza today, with more expected to arrive this week.
Each tent can provide protection for a family of five, with a
living area and three-bedroom compartments. With temperatures
dropping and worsening weather conditions, this can provide
critical shelter for over 12,000 Gazans, including families
displaced by the conflict over winter.
This reflects the UK's commitment to supporting civilians in Gaza
and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to safe,
dignified shelter.
The UK will continue push for other consignments of UK-funded aid
which have been unable to reach the people there due to aid-flow
issues and closed routes to reach Gaza.
Foreign Secretary said:
“The situation in Gaza remains dire, with worsening weather
conditions compounding the critical issues caused by damaged
infrastructure and over two years of conflict. Parents have been
trying to shelter their children under broken roofs and open
skies. These tents will provide a lifeline to thousands of people
needing shelter, protecting them from the cold winds and
relentless rain turning rubble into mud.
“This is welcome news, but it is only one step. The major
work of reconstruction is badly needed, so too is more immediate
humanitarian support. Earlier this year I saw yet another
consignment of aid stuck at the border in Jordan. This cannot be
allowed to continue. The arrival of these tents shows the scale
of potential impact when our aid gets in, and we will continue to
do all we can to urge unhindered humanitarian access, the opening
of all the crossings, the implementation of the peace plan, and a
path to peace.”
92% of homes across Gaza have been damaged or destroyed following
the war, with thousands displaced. The tents, which form part of
UK support to UNICEF, entered Gaza after moving to the border
crossing at Kerem Shalom, following months of delay.
Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Special Representative in the
State of Palestine said:
“The situation in Gaza is devastating as cold, and heavy
rains continue to affect families living in extremely difficult
conditions. Even with the ceasefire, daily life remains
incredibly challenging for children in the Gaza Strip. UK
Aid–supported tents have now entered Gaza and will provide
urgently needed shelter to help families face the harsh winter.
Much more is needed.”
The movement of these tents represents months of ongoing work by
the international community to push for greater aid access, and a
unified effort between the UK and partners to capitalise on the
new-found opportunity of the ceasefire.
