- As part of the UK's push for unrestricted aid access to Gaza,
new funding will help clear the 7,500 tonnes of unexploded
munitions which is currently preventing the safe passage of aid
to Palestine
- £4 million for the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
will surge in experts to help clear land mines, cluster bombs and
munitions help protect Palestinians and aid workers
- Foreign Secretary to see in action British expertise in
demining efforts first hand at HALO headquarters and speak
directly to British operators in the Middle East
Additional explosive ordnance experts, equipment and education
will be delivered to Gaza as the UK unveils further support for
the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) under the UK's
work to scale up aid access.
This is the latest in the Foreign Secretary's diplomatic efforts
for the opening of all aid crossings into Gaza, the lifting of
restrictions on aid and delivering the conditions needed for the
UN and NGOs to operate, including experts and equipment for
humanitarian mine action.
The funding will help clear the 7,500 tonnes of unexploded
munitions which is currently preventing the safe passage of aid
to Palestine, and provide the protection needed so that
Palestinians can begin to go about their normal lives. This is a
vital component of the US peace process and will support the
transition from the ceasefire to phase II of the peace
plan.
Foreign Secretary, , said:
“The situation in Gaza is desperate without the vital
humanitarian support they need.
“We must do everything we can to flood Gaza with aid. Today I
am announcing £4 million for the United Nations Mine Action
Service in Gaza, funding that will help clear the explosives and
rubble as part of the UK;s effort to ensure aid can be delivered
safely.
“We will not be able to get relief at the scale so
desperately needed in Gaza without clearing munitions and making
progress on the pathway for lasting
peace.”
Chief of Design, Operational Support and Oversight United
Nations Mine Action Service, Richard Boulter, said:
"UNMAS is pulling out all the stops to surge explosive
ordnance response and risk education in Gaza to address the
threat of unexploded ordnance that threatens the lives of the
Palestinian who are striving to find food and return to their
homes.
“UNMAS is working closely with UN and its humanitarian
partners labouring to deliver critical aid, and to
clean up to start rebuilding communities and neighbourhoods.
“The generous support from the United Kingdom is an essential
boost to this effort."
The Foreign Secretary will witness the work British deminers are
delivering in Gaza first hand on a visit to HALO, Wilton where
she will meet with representatives from UNMAS, HALO and MAG. The
Foreign Secretary will speak directly to British operators who
are positioned in the region ready to make Gaza
safer.
HALO and MAG, British organisations, deliver 69% of all civilian
mine clearance globally and benefit from UNMAS' vital leadership
in the region. This new funding will allow for the coordination
of mine action across Gaza on a larger scale.
The Foreign Secretary will continue her drive for aid access,
support for the UN and humanitarian NGOs, and action on
reconstruction on a visit to the region at the end of the
week.
Notes to Editors:
- The Foreign Secretary's visit to HALO, Wilton will be covered
by the UK broadcast pool and UK photo pool, including words to
camera.
- UNMAS, HALO and MAG have the following spokespeople available
for interview, please contact FCDO's Newsdesk for further
information.
o James Cowan, CEO of HALO
o Matt , Head of Region for West Bank and
Gaza. Matt is currently in the region poised to deploy to
Gaza
o Greg Crowther, Director of Programmes, Mines
Advisory Group
o Julius Van Der Walt , Chief Mine Action Programme,
UNMAS oPt
- For broadcast packages and picture stories please find the
below B Roll and photos from our partner organisations for your
use, including of ongoing mine action in Gaza.
o UNMAS B-Roll: https://media.un.org/unifeed/en/asset/d347/d3473477
- The £4m in funding is part of the £116m of ODA support
announced for Palestine this financial year.
