The possibility of UK troops being deployed on the ground in Gaza to deliver aid has been met with criticism from some MPs, with one calling the idea “completely insane”. The UK is said to be considering tasking troops with driving trucks via an American-built floating pier onto a beach in Gaza. Ex-Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick urged the government to rule out such a move, calling it “unwise”. Defence Minister Leo Docherty declined to comment on speculation but stated that the government would not comment on the suggestion that there might be a ground role for UK forces.
The US military is constructing a vast floating causeway off the coast of Gaza for delivering humanitarian aid to the region. American troops are not due to take the aid ashore, and a “significant partner” will be responsible for this task, according to a senior US military official. A “third party” will drive trucks down the pier, but the official declined to name this group. Rumours that UK forces may be involved have been neither confirmed nor denied.
During a briefing to Parliament, John Healey, Labour’s shadow defence secretary, questioned whether British troops would be used to deliver aid to Gaza. It is unclear if UK forces will be utilised, and Tory MP Sir Julian Lewis has argued that a better option would be for “moderate Arab neighbouring states” to distribute the aid. Sir Jeremy Quin, Defence Committee Chair, sought to reassure Parliament that any intention to use UK forces would only occur if appropriate protection is in place.
US defence officials anticipate that the several hundred metres-long pier into Gaza could deliver 150 trucks of aid (which equates to two million meals) per day. Over 1,000 US troops will be involved in constructing the floating pier, which will be finished by early May, and they will sleep and live aboard the British naval vessel, the RFA Cardigan Bay. Famine is “almost inevitable” in Gaza without urgent action, according to the United Nations
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