UK 'appalled' by reports of Palestinians killed while trying to reach new Gaza aid sites

The government has said it is "appalled" by reports of Palestinians being killed while trying to access aid sites in Gaza.

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer told the Commons on Wednesday afternoon that Israel's newly introduced measures for aid delivery are "inhumane, foster desperation and endanger civilians".

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israel and the US, opened new aid centres last week in Gaza after an 11-week aid blockade, but they have been highly criticised as Palestinians have been killed and injured while waiting at the centres.

The Hamas-run health ministry claimed 27 Palestinians were killed at a centre in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Tuesday and more than 90 people were injured in what it called a "massacre".

However, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said accusations that the Israeli military shot at civilians were "completely unfounded and false".

Mr Falconer said: "We are appalled by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents in which Palestinians have been killed when trying to access aid sites in Gaza.

"Desperate civilians who have endured 20 months of war should never face the risk of death or injury to simply feed themselves and their families. We call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events for the perpetrators to be held to account."

He said it is "deeply disturbing" the incidents happened near the new aid distribution sites.

"Israel's newly introduced measures for aid delivery are inhumane, foster desperation and endanger civilians," he said.

"Israel's unjustified block on aid into Gaza needs to end - it is inhumane. Israel must immediately allow the United Nations and aid partners to safely deliver all types of aid at scale to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity."

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The minister said the UN Security Council is expected to consider a resolution on Wednesday calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid.

On Wednesday morning, GHF announced it was temporarily closing its three distribution sites "for renovations, organisation, and efficiency improvements".

The IDF said "travel is prohibited via the roads leading to the distribution centres, which are considered combat zones".

On Sunday, at least 31 people were reported to have been killed near the same aid distribution centre, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry - but the IDF said they were "false reports".

PM: Gaza facing dark days

Sir Keir Starmer, speaking as pro-Palestine protesters surrounded parliament on Wednesday, said Gaza is facing "dark days" and vowed to consider "further action" against Israel.

He used Prime Minister's Questions to describe the Israeli government's conduct in Gaza as "counter productive and intolerable".

The government, he said, has "strongly opposed the expansion of military operations and settler violence, and the blocking of humanitarian aid".

Sir Keir said the government "will keep looking at further action along with our allies, including sanctions".

"But let me be absolutely clear; we need to get back to a ceasefire," he said.

Corbyn calls for UK involvement inquiry

Later on Wednesday afternoon, former Labour leader and now-independent MP Jeremy Corbyn demanded a public inquiry into the UK's involvement in Israeli military operations in Gaza.

He introduced the bill, which will get a second reading on 4 July after no MPs opposed it.

The long-time supporter of Palestine had been hoping for a vote, obtained if anybody opposed it, in the hope of forcing Labour MPs to vote against the government.