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Written question asked by Mark Logan (Conservative) on Friday, 3 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 May 2024. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gaza: Humanitarian Aid

Question

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, if he will make an assessment of the (a) effectiveness of aid distribution in Gaza and (b) potential merits of reinstating funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Answer

Allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the events that took place on 7 October in Israel are appalling, which is why we took decisive action to pause future funding to the organisation.

The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK will set out its position on future funding to UNRWA following careful consideration of Catherine Colonna's final report, UNRWA's response and the ongoing UN Office for Internal Oversight Services investigation into these allegations.

We have seen an increase in the number of aid trucks getting into Gaza and some aid has now moved from Ashdod Port into Gaza, but more needs to be done. We need progress on the UN's minimal operating requirements, including more visas and driver approvals granted, as well as more trucks permitted to cross into Gaza. We also need to see an expansion of the types of aid allowed into Gaza and the provision of electricity, water and telecommunications, to both the north and the south of Gaza.

Ministers continue to press these points with Israeli counterparts.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
24838
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Finance Humanitarian aid Gaza UNRWA
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk