Thank you for writing to me concerning the UK Government’s decision to temporarily suspend future funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
I am appalled by allegations that agency staff of the UNRWA were involved in the heinous acts of terrorism committed against Israelis on 7th October. It is right that the UK joins with the US, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, Switzerland and the Netherlands in temporarily pausing financial support to the agency whilst these concerning allegations are reviewed.
The UK remains committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza in desperate need, and the UK Government’s ongoing support for multiple implementing partners – including other UN agencies, as well as both international and UK-based NGOs – demonstrates that commitment.
The UK is providing £60 million in humanitarian assistance to support partners such as 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. The UK also continues to support the UN World Food Programme to deliver a new humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza, and remains committed to trebled aid to Gaza.
My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I continue to join the UK Government in calling for a humanitarian pause now to allow aid actors and Gazans to operate and move safely, as well as to enable hostages to be released.
I thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
