Israel: UNRWA
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Israeli legislation on the (a) status and (b) operation of UNWRA on the humanitarian situation in (i) Gaza and (ii) the West Bank.
Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer
As the Foreign Secretary said in his statement to the House on 28 October, the UK is gravely concerned at legislation against United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) passed by Israel's Knesset. This risks making UNRWA's essential work providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians impossible, jeopardising the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza and delivery of essential health and education services in the West Bank. We have joined with our partners in expressing our concerns, issuing a joint statement with partners on 27 October. The Foreign Secretary reiterated his deep concern to Israel's Foreign Minister Katz on 27 October. We will continue working with our international partners and through the UN to press Israel to ensure that UNRWA can continue its vital operations.
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