Britain Urges Increased Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Strip

Humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip. (Source: UNICEF/Eyad El Baba)

JAKARTA - British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper urged increased humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, Palestine, describing it as an important step towards true peace in the region.

According to a statement released by the British Embassy in Amman on Monday, Foreign Minister Cooper said, "British aid, including food and shelter supplies, is ready in warehouses awaiting permission to enter Gaza," stressing that "the Gazan people cannot wait."

Foreign Minister Cooper further emphasized the urgent need to open more crossings and lift aid restrictions so that the United Nations and humanitarian organizations can step up their life-saving humanitarian efforts, within the framework of the US-led peace plan, quoted from WAFA November 4.

During his visit to Jordan, Foreign Minister Cooper inspected a warehouse holding British aid ready to enter the Gaza Strip, emphasizing Jordan's important role as the main center for coordinating and distributing humanitarian aid in the region.

Foreign Minister Cooper noted a three-week ceasefire had allowed more aid to Gaza, but restrictions continued to block key supplies in large numbers.

He said the scale of humanitarian needs was still significant and needed substantial increased support.

"In addition to food assistance, there is an urgent need for housing and emergency medical treatment, especially for pregnant women," he said.

"We don't have time to waste providing assistance and making real progress towards lasting peace," he said.

Foreign Minister Cooper affirmed his country's commitment to working with Jordan, regional partners and the international community to support the reconstruction efforts of the Gaza Strip and achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.