UK criticises Israel over Gaza aid delays as tents finally arrive after a year

The British government has sharply criticised the obstruction of humanitarian aid into Gaza after a shipment of more than 1,100 UK-funded tents took over a year to enter the besieged territory.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that other British-backed assistance remains blocked from reaching Palestinians, despite what Israel describes as a ceasefire with Hamas.

She said the situation in Gaza is “dire”, as the United Nations reports that at least 1.5 million people urgently need shelter while heavy rain and falling temperatures deepen the humanitarian catastrophe.

The tents, each designed to house a family of five, finally entered Gaza on Monday, with further deliveries expected later this week.

Government officials said the shipment could provide temporary shelter for up to 12,000 people, though aid groups stress that Israel’s restrictions continue to choke relief efforts and leave hundreds of thousands exposed.