Written question asked by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 14 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 July 2022. It was answered by Amanda Milling (Conservative) on Friday, 22 July 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Palestinians

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the blockade of Gaza on children’s ability to access vital health and education services in that country.

Answer: We are aware of Save the Children's report into the wellbeing of Gazan children. The UK continues to urge the parties to prioritise progress towards reaching a durable solution for Gaza and to take the necessary practical steps to ensure Gaza's reconstruction and economic recovery. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue on legal issues relating to the occupation, including the treatment of Palestinian children. In 2021, the UK provided £2 million to United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund to help them provide child-sensitive grants to vulnerable households in Gaza reaching 4,311 boys and girls. This support enabled families to meet the essential needs of their children, with the majority of the support spent on food, education, and healthcare. Through our annual support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the UK supports their Mental Health and Psychosocial Support interventions, especially for children, which included summer school activities targeting 98,595 children (52,236 girls and 46,359 boys) in Gaza in 2021.

Secondary information