UAE to deliver urgent Gaza aid as western allies warn Israel of consequences

Israel has consented to permit humanitarian assistance from the United Arab Emirates to enter Gaza, following weeks of mounting pressure as Palestinians started starving to death. UAE confirmed that the decision was made after direct discussions between officials from both nations. The aid will be provided under a humanitarian mission led by the UAE and will be distributed in collaboration with international organizations.

The UAE stated that the supplies will cross into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, which remains under Israeli control. The initiative aims to help approximately 15,000 individuals and includes food, medical supplies, and other essential items, it comes at a time when Israel is facing increasing pressure to end it's genocide in Gaza. 

The decision to permit the aid follows a joint statement from the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, warning Israel that ongoing barriers to humanitarian access could lead to “concrete measures.” The statement called on Israeli officials to ensure full, safe, and unobstructed delivery of aid into Gaza. It also urged Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and adhere to the decisions of international courts.

The joint statement voiced concerns over civilian casualties and the scarcity of basic needs for the population in Gaza. The three nations did not outline specific actions they might undertake but indicated that further measures were being contemplated in relation to the ongoing crisis.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached an “intolerable” point and called for an immediate ceasefire. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Israel to lift restrictions that are preventing life-saving assistance from reaching civilians. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the demand for Israel to allow access for aid and stressed that failure to do so would lead to diplomatic consequences.

In response, the UK has announced a pause in trade negotiations with Israel and has imposed sanctions on individuals accused of committing violent acts in the West Bank. This marks a shift in diplomatic approaches to the genocide, with increasing calls for accountability and humanitarian access.

International aid organizations have noted that the amount of supplies entering Gaza is significantly lower than what is required. Prior to the conflict, hundreds of aid trucks entered the region every day. This number has drastically reduced, with only a limited number of shipments being authorized for entry. Relief agencies have cautioned that without consistent and increased access, the humanitarian situation will continue to worsen rapidly.