00:00Mr. Speaker, humanitarian aid is a moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe and it is
00:07aid agencies who ensure UK support reaches civilians on the ground. UNRWA is absolutely
00:14central to these efforts. No other agency can deliver aid at the scale needed. It's
00:20already feeding over half of Gaza's population. It will be vital for future reconstruction
00:26and it provides critical services to Palestinian refugees in the region. I was appalled by
00:32the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attacks, but the UN took
00:38these allegations seriously. I've spoken to UN Secretary General Gutierrez and Commissioner
00:44Lazzarini. We are reassured that after Catherine Colonna's independent review, UNRWA is ensuring
00:52they meet the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including
00:56on vetting. UNRWA has acted. Partners like Japan, the European Union and Norway have
01:03also now acted. This government will act too. I can confirm to the House that we are overturning
01:10the suspension of UNRWA funding. Britain will provide £21 million in new funds, some directed
01:18at supporting the management reforms recommended by the Colonna review. UNRWA supports more
01:24than 5.5 million Palestinians. Almost 200 of their staff have died through this conflict.
01:32I thank them for this life-saving work.
Comments