Australia, Canada, Italy and Britain Urge Israel to Admit Gaza Winter Aid

Australia, Canada, Italy and Britain called on Israel on Sunday, November 15, to accelerate humanitarian access to Gaza as winter conditions worsen. In a joint statement, their foreign ministers said recent flooding had deepened the humanitarian crisis and urged Israel to admit shelter supplies before conditions deteriorate further. The ministers alleged that 150,000 tents and other essential supplies were waiting at the border and being prevented from entering. They called for crossings to open and for humanitarian and recovery equipment classified as dual-use to receive entry permission. The ministers demanded “immediate, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza.” They also urged all parties to implement the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza, uphold the ceasefire and meet their obligations under international humanitarian law. In a November 13 statement, the IDF said more than 93,000 tents and 8,600 trucks carrying winter supplies had entered Gaza since winter preparations began. It said thousands of tents and hundreds of those trucks had entered during the preceding week, with arrangements coordinated with COGAT, the Board of Peace, the UN, international organizations and donor countries. The IDF also described the entry of 16 sewage vacuum trucks, approval of mobile clinics and vaccinations, and repairs to sewage, drainage and water infrastructure. It said hundreds of trucks carrying medical supplies had entered in recent weeks. The military accused Hamas of exploiting humanitarian infrastructure and incoming aid, including winter supplies, and said disarmament was necessary for Gaza’s rehabilitation.