Britain’s Foreign Minister, David Lammy has announced that the UK will lift the pause on funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA).
Lammy, who is part of the newly elected Labour government, told parliament that he was reassured that after Catherine Colonna’s independent review, the agency is ensuring that they meet “the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including on vetting.”
“I can confirm to the house that we are overturning the suspension of UNRWA funding, Britain will provide £21m in funds,” he said.
The British government said that it is dividing the 21 million pounds.
The UK will give 6 million pounds ($7.7m) to the agency’s appeal for Gaza and the West Bank, “through which UNRWA is specifically focusing its support to address the most urgent needs.”
“A further 15 million pounds [$19.3m] with be disbursed to UNRWA’s programme budget to provide basic services in the occupied Palestinian territories and wider region,” the government said.
In statement to the Members of Parliament, Lammy has said that humanitarian aid is a moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe, adding that it is aid agencies who ensure UK support reaches civilians on the ground.
“UNRWA is absolutely central to these efforts. No other agency can deliver aid at the scale needed. It’s already feeding over half of Gaza’s population. It will be vital for future reconstruction and it provides critical services to Palestinian refugees in the region.”
David Lammy
He stated that he was appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attacks.
“But the UN took these allegations seriously. I’ve spoken to UN Secretary-General Guterres and Commissioner Lazzarini,” he said.
“UNRWA has acted, partners like Japan, the European Union and Norway have also now acted, this government will act too,” he added.
The UK Foreign Secretary also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and end the suffering in Gaza, following his visit to the region earlier this week.
He stated, “The fighting must stop. The hostages must be released. Much, much more aid has got to enter Gaza…This horror must end, now.”
In the long-term, Lammy outlined that the UK is focused on creating a pathway towards a two-state solution which guarantees security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians.
He made clear that any long-term solution must include a crackdown on the rise in settler violence and settlement expansion and a reformed Palestinian Authority, given the powers and resources it needs to govern effectively.
Today’s announcement on funding for UNRWA brings the UK into line with partners such as Germany, the EU, Sweden, Japan, France and other donors.
The US now remains the only country not to restore funding, which was withdrawn after Israel claimed in January that up to a dozen UNRWA staff had been involved in the 7 October massacre.
In April, Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, resumed funding to UNRWA.
In April, it was reported that Israel was yet to provide supporting evidence of these claims, according to an independent review led by the former French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna.
UK Development Minister To Meet Lazzarini
UK Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds, will meet the UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, to discuss how the funding will support UURWA’s work and to condemn the killing of almost 200 UNRWA workers in the conflict.
Dodds said, “The situation in Gaza is intolerable and unacceptable and urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians there.”
“UNRWA is the only agency that can deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid at the scale needed. But it can only operate effectively if it has access to the whole of Gaza and it is safe for UNRWA staff to work there.”
Anneliese Dodds
Dodds added, “That’s why we are calling for unfettered access for humanitarian organisations alongside an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages and a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.”
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