The British government has conducted a maritime shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza using the Royal Navy’s Lyme Bay landing ship dock.
The donation is part of the UK’s effort to support civilians in the region affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Weighing 87 tons (87,000 kilograms), the package comprised more than 10,000 thermal blankets, approximately 5,000 shelter packs, as well as medical supplies.
The materials were shipped from Cyprus to Egypt, where they will be transferred to the Palestinian territory via the Rafah crossing.
Consistent Support Expected
The delivery followed a visit by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron to Al Arish in December to meet personnel of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society, a Cairo-based nonprofit that coordinates relief across the Rafah crossing.
“Significantly more aid needs to reach Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people,” Cameron stated.
“The UK will continue to work with our partners in the region to open more aid routes into Gaza, including through the proposed maritime corridor between Cyprus and Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”
‘First of Its Kind’
On December 7, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps flew to Cyprus and Israel, seeking “accelerated aid deliveries” into the territory.
“I recently visited the region to find the best way to get aid into Gaza and support those in desperate need. Today’s maritime aid delivery, the first of its kind, is a significant milestone,” Shapps said.
“RFA Lyme Bay has docked in Egypt with almost 90 tons of aid bound for civilians in Gaza. This includes shelters for winter, medical supplies and thermal blankets – all pre-screened in Cyprus,”
“By testing new maritime routes, the UK is paving the way for other international donors to increase aid deliveries.
In November, the UK Royal Air Force deployed a C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft to Egypt to deliver similar materials for the people of Gaza.
This long-term initiative began a few days after Hamas launched its surprise attack. Packages included 70 tons (70,000 kilograms) of water filters, solar lanterns, wound care packs, and sleeping mats.
