First-Ever Shipment Includes 87 Tonnes of Life-Saving Aid Delivered by Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Lyme Bay
London, UK, January 3, 2024 — The United Kingdom marked a historic moment on Tuesday as it sent its inaugural maritime shipment of aid to Gaza, announced the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in a press release. The shipment, delivered by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Lyme Bay, comprises 87 tonnes of critical aid from the UK and Cyprus, bound for Egypt from Cyprus.
Essential Supplies for Gaza
The aid package includes over 10,000 thermal blankets, approximately 5,000 shelter packs, and essential medical supplies. This significant initiative follows the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Egypt in December, where the importance of UK aid for the people of Gaza was observed firsthand. Last month, the Defence Secretary visited Cyprus and Israel, emphasizing the necessity of providing aid to the region.
UK’s Commitment to Supporting Gaza
Foreign Secretary David Cameron affirmed the UK’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Gaza, highlighting the significant aid delivery as a testament to this commitment. The maritime shipment, which transited through Port Said in Egypt, constitutes nearly 90 tonnes of vital supplies, reinforcing the UK’s efforts to address the pressing humanitarian needs arising from the prolonged conflict.
Ongoing Crisis in Gaza
The aid dispatch occurs amid the enduring Israeli aggression on Gaza, which has persisted for almost three months, resulting in the tragic loss of over 22,000 civilian lives and the injury of more than 60,000 individuals. The UK’s proactive response through this maritime aid shipment underscores its dedication to alleviating the humanitarian crisis and contributing to the well-being of the affected population in Gaza.
