Conservative response to Labour’s UNRWA funding

Priti Patel MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary, said: 

“Securing the release of hostages in Gaza, getting more aid in to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced, and establishing a sustainable peace must be a priority for the Government. The Prime Minister needs to explain how these priorities were advanced in his discussions with Philippe Lazzarini.  

“UNRWA had to fire nine staff after investigations into their involvement in the appalling attack on Israel on 7 October last year. All links to the Hamas terrorist group must be severed. It is critical that UN bodies ensure adequate vetting of personnel and activities and Catherine Colonna's reforms need to be fully implemented. 

“Ministers have now committed more taxpayers' money to UNWRA, but they need to prove to us that the £21m of funding they released in summer reached those most in need.  

“There are deeply worrying reports that criminal gangs are ambushing aid in Gaza. It would be unacceptable for British aid to be abused, used by terrorists, or if it failed to reach the most in need civilians.“