The Ministry of Defence has outlined its current role and future considerations for military support in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
This information was provided in response to a written parliamentary question from Rachael Maskell, Labour/Co-operative MP for York Central.
According to Pollard, the Ministry of Defence has been actively involved in facilitating the delivery of lifesaving assistance and is prepared to consider further contributions.
Labour MP Rachael Maskell questioned Pollard about the potential for increasing the use of Armed Forces personnel to support humanitarian aid movements into Gaza. Pollard responded, “The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office leads on coordinating the HMG’s humanitarian response to deliver lifesaving assistance to the civilian population in Gaza. The Ministry of Defence has provided military support when requested to facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance.”
Pollard added, “Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan Bay is in the Eastern Mediterranean and tasked with providing support to the Cypriot Maritime Aid Corridor. We continue to monitor the situation and consider what further assistance Defence could contribute to the HMG and international efforts.”
This follows extensive efforts earlier this year under the previous Conservative government, which saw the Royal Air Force complete 11 airdrops, delivering over 100 tonnes of aid to Gaza.
The UK’s commitment included ready-to-eat meals, water, rice, tinned goods, and flour, distributed through airdrops using A400M aircraft from Amman, Jordan. Each flight, conducted in collaboration with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, ensured the safe delivery of aid without harming civilians.
Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had emphasised the importance of these efforts, stating, “Our commitment to delivering large quantities of aid to those most in need is unwavering. This milestone is both testament to that and a demonstration of where our focus lies over the coming weeks and months.”
Former Foreign Secretary David Cameron had also highlighted the UK’s leadership role in alleviating the crisis, stating, “Through our partnership with Jordan, we have now delivered 100 tonnes of life-saving aid by air. But it is only by land that we will be able to transport the full amount of humanitarian assistance needed.”
Despite these efforts, a temporary floating pier established by the US in Gaza faced significant challenges. The pier, intended to facilitate aid delivery, was plagued by weather, technical, and security problems, ultimately leading to its closure. US officials noted that while the pier enabled a surge in aid deliveries, it was operational for only about 20 days and had been out of action since June.
Consequently, aid supplies from Cyprus are now being shipped to the Israeli port of Ashdod and transported by lorry to Gaza.
Why?
There are a bunch of wealthy Arab states close by, some of whom currently have friendly relations with Israel.
Do HMG ever count how many ships we have 🙄
Not processing the infant numbers so that are in a constant holding pattern – costs enough each year to deal with the accrued capital deficit in defence……
I’m expressing no opinion on immigration numbers but how they are proceeded is critical and it would cheaper to deal with it than to put our hands over our ears and sing la, la, la, la very loudly…..
Fair point mate 🍺
A piece from the Guardian Today !
Britain drops its challenge to ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders
This is a very bold move by the UK govenment, the backlash could be an unwelcomed move from both the U.S and Israel govenments.
I respect the UK govenments move on the Israel & Gaza subject, both heads of state of said countrys should be held accountable for there actions.
Case of wait and see ! U.S will no doubt moan a bucket full as usual.
That is very typical of Labour racism, they really hate Jews for a variety of reasons.
The current US gov. will moan a bit, as would Trump. Harris is a racist loon where Jews are concerned. I hope Israel is getting ready to be stabbed in the back.