As Israel's intense bombardment of Gaza continues, around 200 British citizens find themselves trapped in the besieged enclave, facing dwindling essential supplies. Many have expressed frustration over what they perceive as a "shameful" lack of support from the British government.
Among those affected is Mohammed Ghalayini, a resident of Manchester, who has witnessed the loss of 37 family members due to Israeli air strikes and has been displaced four times. Ghalayini criticized the limited communication from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), receiving only one email in the past 10 days.
"The British response in terms of supporting its citizens has been pitiful," he remarked, highlighting the dire conditions in Gaza and the destruction of his family's neighborhood.
Another British dual national, requesting anonymity for security reasons, expressed disappointment over the absence of support or assistance for evacuation. They emphasized the need for the UK government to exert pressure on Israel for the safety of its citizens.
The UK and its western allies have shown steadfast support for Israel's military response to Hamas's attack on October 7. The health ministry in Gaza, under Hamas administration, reports over 7,000 casualties, including over 2,700 children, amid the ongoing onslaught.
The United Nations, facing significant losses among their personnel, warns that unless a humanitarian truce is established, aid operations may be forced to halt due to critically low supplies.
Trapped individuals, including British citizens, are unable to evacuate as the Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed to passenger traffic, allowing only limited aid access.
While Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor, mentioned a "mercy mission" to bring back UK citizens from Egypt, he acknowledged that action can only be taken once the Gaza crossing reopens.
Meanwhile, Ghalayini's family struggles for survival, receiving municipal water suitable for drinking only once every three days. They rely on generator fuel, which is running out, to pump the water. Ghalayini fears the shortage of drinking water, which is now delivered by donkey carts, will exacerbate their plight.
Both Ghalayini and the other British citizen interviewed expressed deep frustration, asserting that the UK's limited efforts to evacuate its citizens and apparent disinterest in a substantial ceasefire implicates London in the ongoing bloodshed. They stress the urgent need for influential actors to work towards a better outcome for both sides.
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