UK assistance to Gaza this week reaches 拢7 million
Britain to provide extra 拢2 million for the Gaza Flash Appeal
The UK will provide an additional 拢2 million in emergency assistance for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency鈥檚 (UNRWA) Gaza Flash Appeal, International Development Secretary Justine Greening announced today, bringing to 拢7 million the amount released this week to help Gaza.
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:
More than 800 Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks, with thousands injured and many tens of thousands displaced. It is essential that civilians are protected and all sides must allow aid agencies unimpeded access to get to those in desperate need.
A ceasefire needs to be agreed urgently as the first step towards a sustainable political solution. That is the only hope for peace and stability in the long term.
The UK Government is clear that all sides must adhere to International Humanitarian Law and that all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid harm to civilians during a military attack.
Overall, the UK is the fourth biggest donor to UNRWA, providing 拢106.5m from 2011-2015. That funding is already helping UNRWA provide health services and shelter for Gazans affected by the fighting.
The amount committed by Britain to UNWRA鈥檚 emergency appeal in the last week is now 拢4 million. It will fund basic shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, nappies and other vital help for tens of thousands of people forced to flee their homes. The UK has also brought forward 拢3 million of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) support to help it respond to the worsening situation.