Foreign Secretary David Cameron has accused Israel of being a “blocker” of UK aid to Gaza, claiming some supplies have been stuck at the border for almost three weeks.
In a letter to the Commons foreign affairs select committee chair Alicia Kearns, Cameron said it was “of enormous frustration” that the Israeli government as one of the “main blockers” of the aid.
He also contradicted claims by former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy – who has been suspended – that the Kerem Shalom crossing in the south of Gaza had been closed on Saturdays at the request of the UN.
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Cameron insisted Israel closes it “due to the Sabbath”.
David Cameron meets Benjamin Netanyahu
But Number 10 spokeswoman said: “Our assessment hasn’t changed. We do keep it under constant review and act in accordance with that advice.”
Asked to characterise Britain’s relationship with the Israeli administration, she said: “I wouldn’t comment on reports around private conversations that may or may not happen…
“While we continue to support Israel and its right to defend itself from Hamas, we continue to be very clear that there needs to be much further action taken to protect civilian lives and get more aid into Gaza.
“We are very open and frank in our discussions about that.”
She insisted the UK has a “close working relationship” with the Israeli government despite Lord Cameron’s remarks.
“We have a close working relationship with Israel, and that means that we are candid and frank in our conversations and in raising concerns where we have them.”
Israel rejected claims it is blocking aid from going into Gaza, saying the crossing is closed “by agreement with the UN”.
It blamed the UN’s failure to distribute the aid.
