Calling for all phases of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be
implemented in full, the Minister for the Middle East, , is set to address the UN
Security Council today (Monday 20 January).
During the Middle East Peace Process Debate, the Minister will
highlight the role of Egypt, Qatar and the US for their tireless
efforts in securing the ceasefire agreement. He will emphasise
the need to build confidence on all sides to help sustain the
deal - with a focus on transitioning into a lasting peace.
Minister Falconer will reiterate the Foreign Secretary's position
that the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) faces
a cliff edge in its ability to support Palestinian refugees
across the West Bank and Gaza. He will urge support
for their ability to operate and continue its vital
work in Gaza, delivering aid to those most in need.
The ceasefire presents an opportunity to deliver lifesaving aid
to Gaza once the borders open under the terms of the ceasefire.
That includes UK aid, positioned at the border and ready to
support those efforts immediately
During his visit to the UN, the Minister will announce the UK is
also increasing its humanitarian spend on Yemen by £5 million
this financial year bringing our total commitment to £144
million.
The boost will supply food to 10,300 people, provide 65,000
people with the means to produce food and support 95,000 people
with water and sanitary services, and shelter. The UK is the
third largest humanitarian donor to the Yemen Humanitarian
Response Plan and has committed over £1 billion since
2015.
The UK's overall funding to Yemen this financial year will be
spent on food, healthcare and services, supporting 864,000 people
with cash to buy food and providing over 700 health facilities
with medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements.
At the UN the Minister will also announce the launch of a UK-led
initiative to provide financial and political support for Yemen's
future. Set to include a technical assistance fund for Yemen and
known as ‘TAFFY', the initiative aims to bring the
international community together to support governance in Yemen.
Minister for the Middle East, said:
The hostage ceasefire deal offers a moment of hope for the
Israeli and Palestinian people. This intense diplomatic
effort must continue in the days and weeks ahead.
The UK is supporting efforts to improve the dire humanitarian
situation and realise the ambition of the ceasefire. Lifesaving
UK aid is positioned ready to enter Gaza and support those
efforts once the crossings open under the terms of the ceasefire.
The imminent implementation of the Knesset legislation against
UNRWA will further exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation and
impede the ambition of the ceasefire.
During his visit, the Minister will also hold a roundtable with
key stakeholders to address the UN process on Afghanistan
and the role of the international community in ensuring the
Taliban make progress on priorities, including the rights of
women and girls.
Following recent events in Syria, the Minister for the Middle
East will also chair a roundtable with Syrian civil society
organisations to reaffirm UK commitment to achieve a peaceful and
inclusive, Syrian-led political transition.
Notes to editors:
