The United Kingdom accused Russia of indiscriminately bombing ships transporting food to Gaza as Russia steps up its attacks on Ukrainian ports. British intelligence asserts these strikes are preventing crucial aid from being delivered to Palestinians and others in need.
British defense officials report Russia hit at least four merchant vessels between Oct. 5 and Oct. 14. That includes a Panama-flagged vessel carrying sunflower oil as part of a United Nations shipment, according to U.K. intelligence. Officials also said that Russia hit ships carrying grain to Egypt and the U.N.’s World Food Program in South Africa.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the revelations show Russian President Vladimir Putin is “willing to gamble on global food security” as the Kremlin leader becomes more desperate to defeat Ukraine.
The accusations against Russia come as Starmer is under pressure from British Palestinian families who want a British presence at border crossings in Gaza to ensure quick inspections and that aid flows without restrictions.
The Biden administration is also reportedly frustrated by delays to U.S.-funded aid into Gaza, saying the flow of supplies dropped by more than 50% since last March. The U.S. threatened to withhold weapons shipments to Israel earlier this month unless 300 aid trucks were allowed to enter Gaza a day. Israel says aid shipments have since increased since the warning from the United States.
However, health officials in northern Gaza still warn that supplies are dwindling to treat patients as Israel renews an offensive in the region.
