Foreign ministers from Australia, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom urged Israel on Nov. 15 to open Gaza's crossings, saying winter flooding has sharpened the need for shelter and humanitarian relief.
In a joint statement published by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the ministers said 150,000 tents and other vital supplies were being kept at the border and blocked from entering Gaza. They said flooding that accompanied the season's first storm had added to the hardship as winter set in.
The ministers called for swift aid access throughout Gaza and urged Israel to reopen crossings and allow the tents through. They also sought entry for dual-use goods needed for humanitarian operations and early recovery.
Alongside the access demands, the statement called on every party to advance the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza and respect the ceasefire and international humanitarian law. It also said aid should reach people in need.
