The UK government is releasing an additional £5 million from its bilateral budget to UNICEF, specifically for the winter response in Gaza. This funding addresses the impact of recent flooding, which has exacerbated the humanitarian situation for Palestinian civilians.
Minister Doughty stated on 12 November 2026 that heavy rain and strong winds last weekend have worsened conditions, with over 152,000 people affected and more than 6,000 shelters destroyed. Nearly 4,000 households have been left without shelter, and three children and their mother were killed when a sand embankment collapsed on their tents.
The UK government has called on Israeli authorities to allow aid into Gaza, noting that over 150,000 tents and 300,000 tarpaulins are currently outside Gaza, prevented from entering. Officials from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli embassy in London have met to discuss the urgent need for action. The UK's overall humanitarian funding for this financial year is £88 million.