Report: British boots may be deployed in Gaza as part of aid efforts, says The Irish News
British troops could be deployed to Gaza to deliver aid by sea, risking potential attacks from Hamas and Israeli IDF bombings, according to the BBC.
The UK Government is considering sending soldiers to land humanitarian supplies from a temporary pier being built by the US military. This operation would involve driving trucks carrying aid from landing vessels to the shore, where it would be picked up by aid agencies.
British boots may be deployed in Gaza
The proposal has not yet reached Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and the Ministry of Defence has declined to comment on the matter. However, British forces could face increased danger from Hamas, although the group has not killed any British personal so far but has stated its opposition to any foreign military presence involved in the port project. Which it believes to nefarious to the Gazans oil resources in the region.
The added danger of being struck my IDF missiles is also real, as British aid workers, and international relief organizations have been targeted and killed by the IDF.
Construction of the temporary pier and causeway at sea
The UK is already involved in preparations for the US-led operation, with the Royal Navy ship RFA Cardigan Bay providing accommodation for American sailors and soldiers constructing the pier.
Construction of the temporary pier and causeway at sea has begun, with the aim of expanding the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza from early May. With political commentators in the region claiming it is a ploy to start pillaging natural resources in the region.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the importance of establishing more routes for vital aid to reach the people of Gaza, in coordination with the US and international allies.
Israel has received criticism for genocide
Israel has faced criticism for genocide but also for starving the population of Gaza. Israel controls all the exits and entries into Gaza, in what the UN calls ‘the largest open air prison in the world’. The main issue is that israel will not allow enough aid across its land borders safely and without fear of being targeted.
Earlier this month Israel killed 3 British aid in a targeted premeditated attack on aid workers in Gaza. causing outrage in the UK, with some ministers calling for a stop to aid and arms to the IDF.
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Aid workers have expressed the risks of ‘being like a lottery’, when attempting to transport aid into Gaza. After killing 7 western aid workers the IDF has promised to open more crossings, including its port in Ashdod, to process aid shipments bound for Gaza.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a high death toll and widespread famine in Gaza. Over 40 thousand Palestinians have been killed and buried in mass graves in Gaza, in the worst genocide in the modern era, as well several thousand in the West Bank.
The international community is working to provide much-needed aid into Palestine, despite the risks involved in delivering it by sea.