The UK Royal Air Force has made another airlift to Egypt to support civilians in Gaza following Israel’s steady bombardment of the region for several weeks.
Airmen from RAF Brize Norton’s 99 Squadron carried the humanitarian aid on a C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft.
The package includes 4,500 blankets and 4,500 sleeping mats that will be relayed to the UN Relief and Works Agency for distribution across the Palestinian area.
Since the project commenced, the air force has supplied approximately 74 tons of critical aid to Gaza, including water purifiers, wound care kits, solar lanterns, and related support equipment.
“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 Royal Air Force C-17’s co-pilot stated.
“The military flight was met by members of the Egyptian Red Crescent, the [Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office] and UK Aid, among others.”
The service delivered its first humanitarian aid to Egypt on October 25, while another package was delivered in the first week of November.
Additional Support Fund
During a visit to the Palestinian territories, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron announced 30 million pounds ($38 million) of additional investment to support humanitarian efforts for Gaza.
“I am proud that a fourth UK flight carrying critical supplies landed in Egypt today, and can announce additional… funding which will be spent on vital lifesaving aid such as shelter and medical provisions,” he said.
“It is vital to protect civilians from harm, and we are urgently looking at all avenues to get aid into Gaza, including land, maritime and air routes.”
Helping to ‘Alleviate’ Israel-Hamas Crisis
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the British government plans to further help alleviate the Middle Eastern conflict in the following months. Throughout corresponding efforts, the UK will support Palestinian authorities to develop a “long-term political solution” to end the crisis.
“The [Royal Air Force] 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,” UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said.
“The UK is driving international efforts to support the humanitarian response in Gaza, working closely alongside partners and allies to de-escalate the situation.”