The UK’s new Labour government will restore its funding to the UN refugee agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), it announced July 19.
This decision follows a six-month suspension of funds.
The previous Conservative government halted the UK’s UNRWA funding January 27, following Israeli allegations linking a dozen of the agency’s employees to the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament the government will give UNRWA an upfront payment of £21 million (approximately €25 million).
This funding is to support essential services in Gaza, which is undergoing a pressing humanitarian crisis.
The UK and US had been the most significant countries to not yet resume contributions to the agency.
In response to Israel’s January allegations, UNRWA’s leadership dismissed several staff members and implemented internal reforms.
Lammy communicated the UK’s decision to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on July 18, he said.
The move aligns the UK with other donors, including the European Union, Germany, France, Sweden, and Japan, which have each resumed their support to the agency.
Lammy expressed confidence the agency “has taken steps to ensure that it meets the highest standards of neutrality”, in UNRWA’s action plan.
He emphasised the importance of aid in light of Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe, and underscored aid agencies’ role in ensuring UK support reaches civilians in need.
During a visit to Israel on July 14, Lammy reiterated his call for an “immediate ceasefire to release hostages and end the suffering in Gaza” after discussions with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
The UK’s focus is now on “promoting a path towards a two-state solution, which guarantees security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians”, he stated.
The decision by Sir Keir Starmer’s new government aligns with diplomatic initiatives previously launched by countries such as Spain and Ireland, signalling a renewed commitment to addressing the region’s humanitarian and political challenges.
LEAK: UNRWA admits ‘munitions’ were cached in its Gaza facilities
Brussels Signal has received a leaked document that indicates UNRWA – the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East – fears “munitions” have been stored on its premises in Gaza… pic.twitter.com/EQJgzBqVlH
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) March 7, 2024
