The UK is preparing to participate in Gaza aid airdrops after Israel signaled it would allow foreign countries to deliver humanitarian supplies by air. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the move in a statement to The Mirror, emphasizing that although the decision “comes far too late,” Britain will use this route to deliver critical aid.
Starmer added that the UK is “urgently accelerating efforts” to evacuate seriously ill children from Gaza to receive medical treatment in the UK.
Growing Political Pressure on Palestinian State Recognition
The announcement coincides with mounting domestic and international pressure on the UK government to recognise a Palestinian state. Over 220 Members of Parliament from nine political parties, including more than half from Labour, signed a joint letter urging recognition.
The initiative was led by Labour MP Sarah Champion, chair of the international development committee, who warned that “the clock is really ticking” for a two-state solution. French President Emmanuel Macron recently pledged to recognise a Palestinian state within months, increasing diplomatic urgency.
However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned such recognition as a “prize for terror” in light of the October 7th Hamas attacks.
Aid Drops Under Scrutiny as Calls Mount for Full Border Access
While the UK government has pledged to “pull every lever” to deliver food and supplies, critics argue that air deliveries are largely symbolic. MP Sarah Champion described previous aid drops as “grotesque hunger games,” stressing the need for Israel to fully open border crossings to allow large-scale aid flow.
Tragically, previous aid operations have resulted in civilian deaths. In March 2024, five people were killed when a parachute failed, and 12 drowned trying to retrieve food dropped into the sea.
Despite risks, the UK has engaged in earlier aid-drop efforts. In 2024, the RAF delivered over 100 tonnes of aid to northern Gaza. A deal with Jordan also facilitated air deliveries of food, medicine, and fuel.
However, the effectiveness of the current effort remains uncertain. Israel has yet to approve new aid drops by Jordan, and the UN has described the measure as a “distraction from inaction,” warning that nearly a third of Gaza’s population is going without food.
According to the World Food Programme, 90,000 women and children in Gaza urgently need malnutrition treatment. Israel continues to deny a siege exists and blames Hamas for the worsening crisis.
Since the conflict escalated, only two children with life-threatening conditions have been evacuated to the UK under humanitarian visas.
