The new Labour government in the UK has announced that it will resume funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), with Foreign Secretary David Lammy committing to providing $27m in new funds. This decision overturns the suspension of funding introduced by the previous Conservative government, which was based on accusations by Israel that some agency staff were involved in an attack led by Hamas. However, a UN review found no credible evidence for these claims, leading to the reinstatement of funding by most donors.
Lammy emphasized the importance of UNRWA in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, where malnutrition rates are severe and aid agencies are essential in ensuring support reaches civilians on the ground. He also highlighted the agency’s efforts to meet high standards of neutrality and address the urgent needs of Palestinians, including the detection of poliovirus in the enclave.
Several countries, including Japan, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Canada, have also resumed funding to UNRWA. However, the US, the largest donor, has not yet done so. Lammy’s commitment to supporting UNRWA reflects the new government’s stance on humanitarian aid and its recognition of the agency’s vital role in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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