David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary of the new government, has made a significant announcement to the Commons regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a move that showcases the government’s commitment to humanitarian aid and international cooperation, Lammy has confirmed that Labour will lift the suspension on funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and provide £21 million in new support.
This decision comes after the previous government had paused its funding in January, following allegations that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7. However, Lammy has assured the Commons that the UK has been reassured by an independent review, organized by France’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, which found that the agency is “ensuring they meet the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including on vetting.”
Lammy stated, “Partners like Japan, the European Union, and Norway have also taken action, and now the government will act too. I can confirm to the House that we are overturning the suspension of UKRWA funding.” He emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid in the face of such a catastrophic situation and acknowledged the crucial role of aid agencies, particularly UNRWA, in ensuring that UK support reaches civilians on the ground. He added, “No other agency can get aid into Gaza at the scale needed.”
The Foreign Office has also confirmed that Lammy has spoken to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to confirm the move, and Development Minister Anneliese Dodds is set to meet with UNRWA Commissioner General Phillippe Lazzarini to discuss how the funding will be utilized.
This announcement is significant as UNRWA provides emergency food, shelter, and general aid to millions of displaced Palestinians impacted by the war. The agency employs 13,000 people in Gaza and supports refugees across the territory, as well as in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The allegations against the agency, made in an Israeli intelligence document released in January, caused international outrage. However, the UNRWA has stated that Israel did not provide any evidence to support the allegations at the time.
Another probe into the allegations against UNRWA, carried out by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, is yet to conclude. But with the UK now joining countries like France, Germany, and Japan in restoring funding, it is a positive step towards providing much-needed aid to the people of Gaza.
Charity ActionAid has welcomed the UK’s decision, calling it a “long overdue step” to restore a vital lifeline in Gaza. However, its senior humanitarian advocacy adviser Julia Rosell Jackson has also urged the UK to stop its weapon sales to Israel. Meanwhile, the Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer has criticized the decision, claiming that the organization is “funnelling money” to Hamas, the militants responsible for the October 7 attacks.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews did not criticize UNRWA but stated, “While we believe it is vital that aid is delivered directly to those who need it, we also believe that the resumption of such funding needs to come alongside significantly increased oversight of UNRWA’s activities.”
In his announcement, Lammy also outlined Labour’s priorities when it comes to dealing with the conflict in the Middle East. He stated, “Britain wants an immediate ceasefire. The fighting must stop. The hostages must be released. Much, much more aid must enter Gaza – Israel promised a ‘flood of aid’ back in April but imposes impossible and unacceptable restrictions. And there must be de-escalation on the Israeli-Lebanese border.”
Labour’s manifesto also highlights their commitment to recognizing Palestinian statehood as the “inalienable right of the Palestinian people” and their support for a two-state solution. The party also calls for the upholding of international law in the region.
The decision to restore funding to UNRWA is a positive step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It also reflects Labour’s stance on the conflict and their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. However, the party has faced criticism in the past for not taking a stronger stance on the issue, which may have impacted their performance in the recent general election.
Before the election, Labour was heavily criticized by Gaza supporters for not calling for a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory sooner and for continuing to support Israel. This inaction resulted in the loss of the Muslim vote
