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Written question asked by Nicola Richards (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 April 2024. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 April 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Hamas: UNRWA

Question

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with the Director of Operations at UNRWA on (a) the precision of air strikes in Gaza and (b) whether Hamas tunnels ran near or under UNRWA schools.

Answer

The UK takes allegations of neutrality violations extremely seriously, including in relation to UN installations such as schools. The FCDO also monitors this closely through our annual assessment of UNRWA. When violations have been identified, UNRWA has taken action, including raising the issue with relevant parties.

We are aware that the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and Catherine Colonna have now provided their interim reports to the UN Secretary-General. Their independent investigations include assessment of the policies and systems UNRWA has in place to ensure neutrality.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20818
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Armed conflict Schools Tunnels Gaza Hamas UNRWA
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk