(MENAFN- Jordan Times)
AMMAN
- The Foreign Secretary has announced that the UK will lift the pause on funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency, the key aid delivery body operating in Gaza.
In his first statement to MPs, the Foreign Secretary outlined that the UK will release £21 million to support its lifesaving work in Gaza and the provision of basic services in the region.
This funding will go towards UNRWA's flash appeal for Gaza and the West Bank, which focuses its resources on emergency food, shelter and other support for 3 million people, as well as its wider work supporting 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region, according to a statement from the British Embassy.
Addressing Parliament, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that the UK will restart funding to UNRWA in order to get aid as quickly as possible to those who need it in Gaza
Lammy said UK aid funding to Gaza is a“moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe”
The 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, the statement said.
He outlined that the UK will release £21 million to support its lifesaving work in Gaza and the provision of basic services in the region.
“This funding will go towards UNRWA's flash appeal for Gaza and the West Bank, which focuses its resources on emergency food, shelter and other support for 3 million people, as well as its wider work supporting 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.”
“I was appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7th October attacks. We are reassured that after Catherine Colonna's independent review, UNRWA is ensuring they meet the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including on vetting.
He added,“UNRWA has acted. Partners like Japan, the EU and Norway have now acted. This government will act too.”
The UK's funding for UNRWA was paused in light of allegations by Israel that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. Following an independent review by Catherine Colonna and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms, the government is confident that UNRWA is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality, according to the statement.
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