The funding, announced by Minister for the Middle East
today (Tuesday 29
May) on a visit to Gaza, will support work by the
International Committee of the Red Cross to keep
hospitals open and functioning at a time when the
healthcare system is under huge strain.
Today’s commitment of £1.5 million will also help
provide physical rehabilitation services for around
4,000 people.
Speaking from Gaza, Minister for the Middle East
said:
I am deeply concerned about the worsening situation
in the Gaza strip, and today’s UK aid package gives a
message to the world, and to the people of Gaza, that
we have not forgotten them or their plight.
Today’s support will help to ensure that hospitals
which are under immense pressure are able to cope
with the increased number of casualties who need
medical and surgical care. It is absolutely vital
that the UK steps up to help those suffering and
ensure that vulnerable Gazans are able to access
treatment to keep them alive.
We have been clear that a political settlement is the
only way to ensure lasting peace for Palestinians and
Israelis alike. All parties must redouble their
political efforts and return to the negotiating
table, not only to address the deteriorating
conditions in Gaza, but to ensure tragedies of the
past months are not repeated.
UK support is already providing Gazans with access to
clean water, and improving sanitation facilities to
help stop the spread of deadly disease.
Through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
refugees (UNRWA), UK aid is providing basic health and
education to 1.3 million people in Gaza, as well as
over 800,000 refugees in the West Bank.
Minister Burt announced in March at the Rome Conference
that the UK will deliver its next round of financial
support to UNRWA earlier than originally planned to
help meet the growing needs of Palestinian refugees
across the region.
Notes to editors
Today’s £1.5 million package is a new allocation from
the Occupied Palestinian Territories programme budget
for 2018/19.
