Members of the UK International Development Committee (IDC) recently embarked on a visit to Al-Arish in Egypt’s Sinai desert, coordinated by the Egyptian Red Crescent. The area, now a vital logistics hub for aid destined for Gaza, including contributions from the UK, also hosts a substantial hospital providing critical care to injured Palestinians, which the committee members had the opportunity to tour.
The IDC’s inquiry into the humanitarian situation in Gaza revealed alarming developments. Concerns have emerged from various sources indicating Israel’s intentions to launch a full-scale offensive in Rafah, previously designated as a safe zone. Leaflets urging civilians to evacuate within two weeks have been distributed, resulting in a mass exodus to Rafah, now accommodating well over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, a stark increase from its previous capacity. The repeated bombardments in Rafah have exacerbated casualties and further devastated essential infrastructure, hindering the distribution of crucial aid supplies.
Upon their return from Al-Arish, Chair of the Committee, Sarah Champion MP, expressed shock at the scale of devastation witnessed. She highlighted the urgent need for accurate information dissemination and stressed the flagrant disregard for international law in protecting civilians, aid workers, and medical personnel. There is a growing sense of dread among humanitarian workers regarding the impending escalation of hostilities in Rafah.
“Nothing that has been reported braces you for the true scale of the horror in Gaza. We’re simply not getting accurate information about the levels of destruction and brutality.” Champion said
Champion emphasized the urgent need for global political intervention to halt the violence, ensure unimpeded aid access, and formulate a comprehensive strategy for Gaza’s reconstruction. The IDC has held multiple evidence hearings, hearing harrowing testimonies from aid agencies operating in Gaza, painting a grim picture of the deteriorating humanitarian and healthcare conditions. The World Health Organization’s estimate that less than a third of hospitals are partially functional underscores the severity of the crisis.
In response to the Committee’s inquiries, the Foreign Secretary provided an overview of UK efforts to address the medical emergency in Gaza. Priority is placed on urging Israel to adhere to UN deconfliction protocols for humanitarian operations and facilitating the safe movement of aid, personnel, and supplies. Additionally, the UK advocates for a sustainable ceasefire and a credible pathway towards a two-state solution as the ultimate resolution to the conflict.
The full report can be read here.
