Following the announcement of a truce in the Middle East conflict, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron will meet with Palestinian officials and commit an additional £30 million in help for residents in Gaza.
After meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during a visit to Israel on Thursday, the former prime minister urged “all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage.”
On Friday, he will travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories to meet with Palestinian officials and humanitarian agencies distributing aid in Gaza, urging all parties to comply to the new accord.
It was confirmed that the ceasefire will begin on Friday morning from 7am local time, with aid “going in as soon as possible”, according to Qatari officials.
The first group of civilians taken captive by Hamas is likely to be released at around 4 p.m. local time on Friday, including 13 women and children.
Lord Cameron said: “We are hopeful that today will see the release of hostages, and I am urging all parties to continue to work towards the release of every hostage. A pause will also allow access for life-saving aid to the people of Gaza.”
“I am proud that a fourth UK flight carrying critical supplies landed in Egypt today, and I can announce new £30 million of funding which will be spent on vital aid such as shelter and medical provisions.”
“It is vital to protect civilians from harm, and we are urgently looking at all avenues to get aid into Gaza, including land, maritime and air routes.”