The UK Government has committed £1 million in new funding to support the treatment of Gazan civilians evacuated to Egypt for urgent medical care, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
The funding will be channelled through the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Egypt, aiding individuals injured in the conflict or suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer. This latest contribution builds on a previous £2 million package already provided to WHO Egypt, which has been instrumental in supplying vital medications, chemotherapy treatments and rehabilitation equipment.
Around 8,000 civilians from Gaza have been evacuated to Egypt for medical treatment since the war began. The £1 million will specifically bolster Egypt’s Ministry of Health in supporting these patients, many of whom have been caught in a collapsed healthcare system, with Gaza’s hospitals either damaged or no longer operational.
This initiative forms part of the UK’s £60 million humanitarian aid package allocated to the Occupied Palestinian Territories for 2025, which also includes support for food distribution, clean water, and healthcare services.
The UK Government continues to urge Israel to allow the passage of humanitarian aid through border crossings, including those from Jordan, as thousands of tonnes of food and medical supplies remain stuck at the border. Pressure is mounting to increase the number of aid trucks entering Gaza to 500 per day to meet the growing needs of the population, especially children suffering from malnutrition and famine-like conditions.
In addition to medical aid, the UK has funded £500,000 worth of emergency food supplies, recently air-dropped into Gaza to help address the unfolding famine. The situation has drawn global attention, with recent visits from international representatives to aid centres in the region, highlighting the extreme risks Palestinians face, including attacks while queuing for food.
Earlier this week, the UK announced plans to develop a dedicated medical evacuation programme to bring injured Palestinian children to British hospitals for treatment, expanding its humanitarian response beyond the region.
The Government has also reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian access. A long-term commitment to peace and stability in the region remains central to the UK’s foreign policy approach.
While the UK continues to lead calls for increased aid and diplomatic solutions, political tensions have emerged. The UK has indicated that it may recognise a Palestinian state by September if humanitarian conditions in Gaza do not improve, sparking criticism from some Israeli officials. Despite this, Downing Street maintains its stance not to negotiate with Hamas, affirming its refusal to place conditions on terrorist organisations.
The latest funding announcement reinforces the UK’s position as a key contributor to global humanitarian efforts in Gaza, and highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action to address the escalating crisis.