Image Credit: AFP
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has announced the United Kingdom’s £10 million aid in humanitarian funding for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in response to the escalating Israel-Hamas war.
He made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons, in which he also reiterated the UK’s condemnation of Hamas’ actions in both Israel and Gaza, and called for immediate access for humanitarian organisations to be allowed to deliver life-saving aid.
This funding will allow key UN agencies to provide essential relief items and services.
“These could include food, water and emergency shelter, depending on the needs on the ground,” a statement on the UK government website read.
Speaking in Parliament, Sunak said, “I’m proud that we are a longstanding and significant provider of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. And I can announce today that we are increasing our aid by a third, with an additional £10 million of support.
“An acute humanitarian crisis is unfolding, to which we must respond. We must support the Palestinian people – because they’re victims of Hamas too.”
According to the statement, the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, ames Cleverly, have spoken to Israel, Egypt and other international partners about opening the Rafah crossing to allow urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“All UK aid funding to the OPTs undergoes rigorous oversight, and no funding goes to Hamas,” the statement clarified.