The UK Government has announced an additional £5 million in humanitarian funding for Gaza following severe flooding that has destroyed thousands of shelters and left vulnerable families facing worsening conditions as winter approaches.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty confirmed the funding in a statement to the House of Commons on 12 November 2026. The money will go to UNICEF for emergency winter relief. The minister also warned that Britain is prepared to use expanded sanctions powers against those obstructing humanitarian assistance, although no new designations were announced.
Thousands of shelters destroyed by flooding
According to figures cited by the Foreign Office, more than 152,000 people have been affected by recent storms. More than 6,000 shelters were destroyed, 17,400 damaged and nearly 4,000 households left without shelter. The minister said flooding had also affected hospitals, schools and displacement sites, and that three children and their mother died when a sand embankment collapsed on their tents.
What will the additional funding provide?
The extra £5 million will be released from the UK bilateral aid budget to UNICEF, focusing on the winter response. The Government says its overall support aims to provide winter clothing for 100,000 children, tarpaulins for 62,500 people, family tents for 1,250 households and blankets for 150,000 people. These figures describe the wider UK-supported response, not the outputs of the new £5 million alone. The minister said the UK had already provided UNICEF with £14 million this year and referred to £88 million in humanitarian funding this financial year.
UK calls for restrictions on aid to be lifted
Doughty accused Israeli authorities of preventing vital shelter materials and equipment from entering Gaza. Citing UN figures, he said more than 150,000 tents and 300,000 tarpaulins remained outside Gaza. The Government called for crossing points, beginning with Erez, to be opened and for restrictions on essential materials to be eased. The minister also acknowledged disruptions to deliveries linked to reports of Hamas taxation and allegations of smuggling.
Expanded sanctions powers, but no new designations
The minister confirmed that the Global Human Rights sanctions framework has been expanded to cover serious violations of international humanitarian law, including obstruction of humanitarian assistance. He said the Government was prepared to use these powers, but declined to discuss future targets. No new sanctions designations were announced in the statement.
Government reiterates position on Israel and Hamas
Doughty recognised Israel’s legitimate security concerns, condemned Hamas’s 7 October 2023 terrorist attack and reiterated the UK position that Hamas must relinquish control of Gaza and dismantle its terrorist infrastructure. He reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.
MPs demand further action
MPs pressed the Government on how humanitarian supplies could reach civilians while restrictions remained. Ministers said they would continue diplomatic engagement and work with international partners. The newly announced funding does not by itself guarantee that supplies will be able to enter Gaza.
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office statement, 12 November 2026.