LONDON: UK leader Rishi Sunak announced on Monday (Oct 23) that Britain was sending an additional £20 million (US$24 million) of aid to help civilians in Gaza affected by the war between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement brings the amount pledged to Palestinian territories by Britain since Hamas's attack on Israel earlier this month to £30 million, after £10 million was made available last week.
Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on Oct 7, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.
More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks by the Palestinian militant group, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.
"We are providing an additional £20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people," Sunak told parliament.
Before the recent pledges, the UK had committed £27 million to Palestinians this year.
Sunak's announcement came while updating lawmakers on the situation in the Middle East following his visit to the region last week.
He said the arrival through the Rafah crossing of some aid trucks into Gaza was "important progress" but added "it is not enough."
"We need a constant stream of aid pouring in, bringing the water, food, medicine and fuel that is so desperately needed," the prime minister added.