RAF delivers UK humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza

An RAF aircraft has delivered humanitarian aid to Egypt for those civilians still in Gaza as Israel's bombardment has left many without food, water or fuel.

A C-17 aircraft left RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire with 21 tonnes of aid, including 76,800 wound care packs.

Each pack includes a tray, a pair of large cuffed Nitrile gloves, a white waste bag, a towel, a white plastic apron, four-ply swabs, a measuring tape with a pain guide, and tissue-backed sterile dressings.

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The delivery also included 1,350 water filters and 2,560 solar lights – with each water filter and light intended to support a family of five.

The UK has also delivered a temporary warehouse and mechanical handling equipment, including two forklifts, to be set up close to the Rafa border crossing connecting Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

The aid is part of a £30m increase for the Occupied Palestinian Territories announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which more than doubled the UK's existing commitment to £57m.

Supplies will be handed out via the Egyptian Red Crescent, which requested items that meet the most urgent needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Ministers have also been engaged in intensive diplomatic activity in response to the war, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visiting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the prevention of a wider conflict as well as humanitarian issues.

He also met his counterpart in Washington DC last week to coordinate the two countries' response to the crisis.

Mr Shapps said the aid sent today was a " clear demonstration of the UK's commitment to helping those most in need – rapidly deploying the RAF to get life-saving aid into the region".

"Together with our regional partners, it's critical that we prioritise protecting all civilians from harm – that's why I'm in the Middle East this week to work with defence leaders on deterring a wider conflict that would have devastating consequences for families across the region," he said.

Last week, Mr Sunak visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, pushing for greater humanitarian access to Gaza and leading efforts to help prevent regional escalation.

Elsewhere, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to push for an agreement on humanitarian access to Gaza, the release of British hostages and the solidification of a safe passage out of Gaza for British nationals.

"The urgent humanitarian need in Gaza is clear," Mr Cleverly said. "This delivery of vital UK aid into Egypt will save lives but more is needed.  

"Humanitarian aid must continue to be allowed into Gaza to reach the people who need it most. 

"The UK is working with Israel, Egypt and other partners in the region to enable life-saving aid to reach civilians including food, water, medical supplies and fuel as a priority."

The Department for Health and Social Care has donated 76,800 wound care packs from its stockpiles, including sterilised clinical equipment and protective clothing.