British Foreign Secretary David Cameron accused Israel of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a letter to Alicia Kearns, chair of the UK Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Cameron said it was “a huge disappointment” that humanitarian aid to Gaza “is routinely pending Israeli approvals”.
He also denied statements by suspended former Israeli spokesman Eilon Levy over the closure of the Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in southern Gaza on Saturdays at the request of the UN.
Levy's suspension comes after a public spat with Cameron at X. The foreign secretary called on Israel to allow more aid trucks into Gaza, to which Levy responded: “I hope you also know that there are no limits to the entry of food, water, medicine. Or shelter equipment into Gaza and, indeed, the crossings are overcapacity”.
“Check us out. Send another 100 trucks a day to Kerem Shalom and we will bring them there,” he added.
In a post dated March 15, Cameron wrote: “In response to the Israeli spokesman's allegations, I can confirm that the UN has not requested the closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing on Saturdays. We understand that Israel closes it because of the Sabbath.”
Since launching its latest offensive in Gaza in October 2023, Israel has tightened its siege on the besieged enclave.
Occupation officials have accused the UN of not distributing aid effectively.
However, in the speech, Cameron said: “The Israeli government's arbitrary denials and long release procedures, including multiple screenings and short daylight opening windows, remain key obstacles.”
He reiterated the call for Israel to issue more visas to UN staff needed to expand aid deliveries, stressing the urgency of increasing the number of aid trucks entering Gaza.
“I agree with the committee that increasing the number of trucks entering Gaza is vital. I am seriously concerned that any aid, including UK aid, is stopped, delayed or refused along the border with Israel.
With gratitude @David_Cameron So much clarity in his reply to my letter. Contrary to some claims he affirms:
– The UN does not require the Kerem Shalom crossing to be closed on Saturdays. Israel closes it because of the Sabbath.
– “Spontaneous… https://t.co/DTP0Vl5Ohz pic.twitter.com/cvrmdwRhOi
— Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) March 21, 2024
In response, Kearns thanked the secretary of state for a “clear and honest” letter.
He said: “Today's letter confirms what we saw and heard when we visited the border area – that Israel's arbitrary denials and lengthy clearance processes are the main factors delaying the delivery of aid.”
“This confirms that Israel has the ability and power to turn the water back on in Gaza, which until now has decided not to do so. If the famine continues on its current path, thousands of Gazans will lose their lives. It is suffering on an unimaginable scale,” he added.
Israel was charged with genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and that humanitarian aid is provided to civilians in Gaza.
Read: Three more journalists killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza Strip
