JERUSALEM, May 30, 2018 (WAFA) – British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt announced on Tuesday that the United Kingdom is going to provide more support to help treat patients in 11 hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including surgical equipment, bandages and medicine.

Burt’s announcement came during his visit to the Gaza Strip following weeks of protests demanding Palestinians’ right to return. Over 100 Palestinians lost their lives and thousands others were injured from Israeli army gunfire.

The aid will support the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) work to keep hospitals open and able to provide services at a time when the health sector is under huge strain. This support, which is estimated at 1.5 million pounds, will also help provide physical rehabilitation services for some 4,000 people.

Burt said that he is very concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip and that the aid announced today is a message to the world and to the people of the Gaza Strip that they are not forgotten, neither the ordeal they are currently experiencing.

He added: “Today’s support will help to ensure that hospitals which are under immense pressure are able to cope with the increased number of casualties who need medical and surgical care. It is absolutely vital that the UK steps up to help those suffering and ensure that vulnerable Gazans are able to access treatment to keep them alive.”

He stressed that “a political settlement is the only way to ensure lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike. All parties must redouble their political efforts and return to the negotiating table, not only to address the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, but to ensure tragedies of the past months are not repeated.”

M.H./M.K.