As I am sure my constituents will appreciate, I have been contacted by a number of constituents regarding the recent developments relating to UNRWA funding and the ICJ ruling.
Nobody wants to see this conflict last a moment longer than necessary, and I welcome that the UK Government is supporting a sustainable ceasefire.
The recent case at the ICJ presented by South Africa is not helpful in the goal of achieving a sustainable ceasefire. I share the Government’s view that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be described as genocide, but fully respect the role and independence of the ICJ. I welcome the court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza.
Israel has the right to defend itself, and has the right to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas. However, the UK has been consistently clear that in doing so it must abide by international humanitarian law; Israel will not win this war if its operations destroy the prospect of peaceful coexistence with Palestinians.
On UNWRA, I am appalled by allegations that any agency staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism, and believe it is only right that the UK is pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst these concerning allegations are reviewed. The United States, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, Switzerland and the Netherlands have all temporarily paused funding too.
I want to make clear that the UK remains committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it. The Government is getting on with aid delivery, funding multiple implementing partners including other UN agencies and international and UK NGOs. This support is helping people in Gaza get food, water, shelter and medicines.
The commitment to trebling aid to Gaza still stands and the UK is providing £60 million in humanitarian assistance to support partners including the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme and Egyptian Red Crescent Society to respond to critical food, fuel, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.
