UK pledges over $5 million in aid to Gaza

Britain is pledging 4 million pounds ($5.4 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza, the government says, as its Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman, visits Israel and the West Bank.

“The Israeli government’s failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent. Far too few trucks are crossing into Gaza,” Chapman says. “The UK is clear — Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people.”

Britain yesterday paused free trade talks with Israel over its new offensive in Gaza, with Foreign Minister David Lammy calling for an end to the blockade of aid.

The British Red Cross will receive the new aid package and deliver it through the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Britain says.