PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to airdrop aid into Gaza and evacuate children needing medical assistance.
Downing Street said that it would be working with Jordan on the rescue effort after a call with French and German leaders today.
The PM held emergency talks with Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz today amid growing anger regarding the starving population.
It would include dropping aid into Gaza by air.
One in three people in Gaza are going days without eating according to the UN food aid programme.
A reported 90,000 women and children require treatment for malnutrition.
According to Number 10’s briefing on the conversation, the leaders concurred on the necessity of having strong strategies to transform the urgently needed ceasefire into a durable peace.
The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s intentions to collaborate with allies like Jordan to distribute aid via air drops and evacuate children in need of medical assistance.
Israel said it would allow foreign countries to deliver air supplies in the coming days on Friday.
The PM wrote in The Mirror that the government would “do everything we can to get aid in via this route”.
Starmer is set to work closely with the French and German leaders to “pave the way to a long-term solution and security in the region”.
They also discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire, and for Israel to lift all restrictions on aid.
Once the plan is underway, they will then work with other countries in the region to provide further assistance.
However, Labour MP for Rotherham, Sarah Champion, has criticised the plans as “largely symbolic”.
This is due to the “grotesque hunger games” that occurred last time air supplies were delivered to Gaza, she told Today.
In March 2024, five people were killed when at least one parachute failed to deploy.
Later that month, 12 people reportedly drowned trying to retrieve food packages that had landed in the sea.
Instead, she has called on Israel to open its borders and allow for greater accessibility of aid programs.
It comes as pressure continues to mount on the PM to recognise the state of Palestine.
On Thursday, French president Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognise a Palestinian state in September.
Over 130 Labour MPs then urged Sir Keir to follow suit, but the Prime Minister dismissed the suggestion, expressing concerns that it might divert attention from President Trump’s visit to the UK.
The Prime Minister said that “statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people” but is yet to commit to a timeline for recognising it as a state but that it “must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis”.
The UK aide plans will not be the first time the government has air-dropped supplies into Gaza.
In 2024 the Conservative government worked with Jordan on a similar project.
It enabled Jordanian Air Force to supply medicine, food and fuel to the desperate population.
The Royal Air Force also undertook a similar effort, delivering over 100 tonnes of food across 11 flights between March and May.
