Australia, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom have urged Israel to allow “immediate, rapid and unimpeded” humanitarian aid into Gaza, where heavy rain has flooded tens of thousands of tents sheltering displaced Palestinians.
The four countries said vital supplies, including tents, were being held at the border and prevented from entering the territory. Tents have been seen among war-damaged buildings in Gaza City.
“We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom, are clear that as winter takes hold in Gaza, the humanitarian situation on the ground is dire,” the joint statement said.
They called on the Israeli Government to “stop the delays now” and permit aid access throughout Gaza, adding that crossings must be opened and tents allowed into the territory.
WHO warns of worsening conditions in Gaza
The World Health Organisation warned over the weekend that conditions were deteriorating. Dr Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, the WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said respiratory illnesses were surging.
Acute respiratory infections were 33,000 cases higher than at the same time last year, she told reporters.
The four governments also said dual-use items needed for humanitarian operations and early recovery should be allowed into Gaza before it was too late.
They called on all parties to implement the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza, respect the ceasefire and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law so aid could reach those in need.
