Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of the USA withdrawing funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Any disruption to the essential services delivered by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) undermines the stability and economy of Gaza, which worsens living conditions and increases humanitarian needs. My officials and I are working with UNRWA and our partners to ensure essential services are maintained in Gaza and UNRWA’s other fields of operation, despite the US withdrawal of funding. The UK has announced £17 million of funding over the past four months, in addition to our original budget of £28 million, to protect UNRWA’s vital services. The Government has also increased humanitarian support to Gaza this year in light of the deteriorating conditions.