The UK government has criticized delays in allowing aid into Gaza as a shipment of more than 1,100 tents destined for the strip took more than a year to arrive.
The Foreign Secretary has also expressed concern that despite the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, other UK-funded aid has been unable to reach residents.
Yvette Cooper said the situation in Gaza remains “dire” as the UN warned that 1.5 million people needed urgent shelter amid worsening rains and falling temperatures ahead of winter.
The BBC has sought a response from the Israeli government.
Each tent is capable of holding a family of five – it arrived in Gaza on Monday, with more expected to arrive this week.
Government sources said the tents would provide shelter to more than 12,000 people during the winter months.
Cooper said delays in getting aid to the strip cannot be allowed to continue and all crossings in the area must be opened to allow unhindered humanitarian access.
“The situation in Gaza remains critical, exacerbated by severe weather conditions, damaged infrastructure and more than two years of conflict,” he said.
“Parents are trying to shelter their children under broken roofs and open skies.
“These tents will provide a lifeline to thousands of people in need of shelter, protecting them from the cold winds and incessant rains turning debris into mud.”
According to the United Nations, some 1.9 million people, about 90% of the population, have been displaced in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.
Cooper said the arrival of aid was welcome but a step toward a larger reconstruction that is “desperately needed” and that she was disappointed to see “yet another shipment of aid stuck at the border” earlier this year.
“This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
“The arrival of these tents shows the scale of the potential impact when our assistance arrives, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure unhindered humanitarian access, the opening of all crossings, the implementation of the peace plan, and paving the way for peace.”
Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Special Representative in the State of Palestine, said the arrival of the tents “represents months of ongoing work by the international community for greater aid access”.
“The situation in Gaza is devastating as cold and heavy rains are affecting families living in extremely difficult conditions.
“Despite 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 cope with the harsh winter. Much more is needed.”
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