Lake MP writes to Foreign Secretary
urging restoration of UK's UNRWA funding
Plaid Cymru Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Lake MP, has today (Thursday
11 July) issued a call to the newly appointed Secretary of State
for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, MP, to urgently restore funding
for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This appeal comes in response
to the severe humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Gaza.
In his letter, Mr Lake expressed deep concern over the ongoing
violence and its devastating impact on the civilian population in
Gaza. Since the attacks by Hamas on October 7th, over 38,000
people, including more than 12,500 women and children, have been
killed due to military operations sanctioned by the Government of
Israel. An additional 88,000 people have been injured, many
suffering from life-changing and debilitating conditions.
In April, then Shadow Foreign Secretary, committed a future Labour UK
Government to restore funding for UNRWA. Lake MP is now urging him to honour
this commitment immediately and align the UK's position with
nations such as Australia, Sweden, Japan, and Germany.
Reaffirming support for UNRWA is essential to recognise the
central role it plays in the humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Lake MP writes:
“I should firstly like to offer my congratulations to you
on your appointment as Secretary of State. I write with severe
concern regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since
the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th, over 38,000
people, including over 12,500 women and children, have been
killed as a result of military operations in Gaza sanctioned by
the Government of Israel. A further 88,000 people have been
injured, many suffering life-changing and debilitating injuries.
“The United Nations note that Gaza's health and social
infrastructure has been critically weakened by Israel's assault,
rendering its population extremely vulnerable. Furthermore, UN
experts have now declared that famine has now taken hold
throughout the Gaza strip, and there are worrying reports that
Israeli authorities continue to hinder the safe entry and
distribution of vital humanitarian aid.
“The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a crucial role in this
effort as it is simultaneously the largest aid provided, and the
only aid agency with the resources, expertise, and infrastructure
to provide the urgent aid that the Palestinian people need.
Without UNRWA infrastructure it has been acknowledged that
humanitarian aid efforts from other agencies in Gaza would either
collapse or be rendered inoperable at a time when it is critical
all vital relief efforts and coordination is undertaken without
delay or hindrance.
“The independent Colonna report noted that UNRWA is
indispensable to Palestinians' human and economic development,
and yet it is an agency under attack. UNRWA sites in Gaza are
frequently targeted by military strikes, whilst extensive efforts
are being made to undermine its reputation internationally. There
have even been attacks on its headquarters in Jerusalem.
“In April, you committed a future Labour UK Government to
immediately restoring funding for UNRWA. I now ask that you
honour this commitment as a matter of urgency and bring the UK's
position in line with that of nations such as Australia, Sweden,
Japan, and Germany. I also ask that you reaffirm the UK's support
of UNRWA in recognition of the central role it plays in the
humanitarian efforts in Gaza.”
Ends.
NODIADAU I'R GOLYGYDD /
EDITOR'S NOTES:
On 26 April 2024, tweeted:
“Great to meet again with my friend @AntonioGuterres in New York.
@UKLabour is committed to restoring future funding for @UNRWA and
we support calls for an independent investigation and public
report into the deaths of humanitarian workers during the war in
Gaza.”
https://x.com/DavidLammy/status/1783956839454879801?t=m1xzo3OkP4ZUVibthIOTlQ&s=19
