A fourth Royal Air Force flight, carrying vital aid for humanitarian agencies to support civilians in Gaza, has arrived in Egypt.
A Globemaster (C-17), from 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, delivered 23 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Al Arish in Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza. The load included 4,500 blankets and 4,500 sleeping mats for distribution by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The RAF has delivered a total of 74 tonnes of essential aid supplies for Gaza, including wound care packs, water purification pumps, solar lanterns and enabling for the Egyptian Red Crescent.
Squadron Leader Marshall, Co-Pilot of the Globemaster, said:
“Supported by a logistics and police team we successfully transported 23 tonnes of humanitarian freight to Egypt to support civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The military flight was met by members of the Egyptian Red Crescent, the FCDO and UK Aid, among others.”
Squadron Leader Marshall
Globemaster Co-Pilot
On his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Foreign Secretary condemned the Hamas terror attacks and announced £30 million additional humanitarian funding for Gaza.
Foreign Secretary, David Cameron said:
“I am proud that a fourth UK flight carrying critical supplies landed in Egypt today, and can announce an additional £30m of funding which will be spent on vital lifesaving aid such as shelter and medical provisions. We are urgently looking at all avenues to get aid into Gaza, including land, maritime and air routes.”
David Cameron
Foreign Secretary
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“The RAF continues to deliver on the UK’s commitment to helping those in need by operating flights into the region to provide urgent humanitarian support which will save civilian lives.
“The UK is driving international efforts to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, working closely alongside partners and allies to de-escalate the situation.”
Grant Shapps
Defence Secretary
Following a series of meetings with senior Israeli politicians on Thursday, the Foreign Secretary will today focus on how UK efforts can help alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza; support the Palestinian Authority; and look towards a long-term political solution to the crisis.
The Foreign Secretary will also meet with aid agencies delivering UK funded humanitarian support in Gaza.
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