UK, Canada, Australia and Italy tell Israel to 'stop delays now' on Gaza winter shelter

Detailed summary

Foreign ministers warn that Israeli border restrictions block urgently needed shelter materials as winter storms threaten vulnerable families in Gaza.

The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Italy have urged Israel to "stop the delays now" and permit the immediate entry of 150,000 tents alongside critical humanitarian supplies into Gaza ahead of winter.

"We ... are clear that as winter takes hold in Gaza, the humanitarian situation on the ground is dire," the top diplomats said in a joint statement.

Noting that recent flooding triggered by the first winter storm has exacerbated civilian suffering across the enclave, the ministers warned that Israeli border restrictions are blocking desperately needed shelter and basic relief consignments.

The diplomats stressed that the worsening emergency remains "entirely reversible" before harsher winter weather sets in, calling on Israeli authorities to open vital border crossings and authorise the entry of dual-use materials necessary for humanitarian operations and early recovery "before it is too late."

The ministers further called on all parties to adhere strictly to the ceasefire, uphold international humanitarian law, and implement the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza to ensure relief reaches vulnerable civilian populations.

Torrential rainfall has inundated makeshift encampments throughout Gaza, leaving displaced families exposed to freezing temperatures and damp conditions.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that recent floods have affected upwards of 200,000 Palestinians, whilst the World Health Organisation warned that approximately 950,000 displaced individuals reside in flood-prone zones.

Gaza's Health Ministry stated that Israeli ceasefire violations since October 10, 2025, have killed 1,643 Palestinians, bringing the overall death toll since October 2023 to more than 74,000, with 90 percent of civilian infrastructure destroyed.

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