Written statement (Wales): United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) - July 1

Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: Last Wednesday I joined a meeting with the First Minister and Mr. Marc Lassouaoui, the Outreach Manager at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Mr Lassouaoui provided an update on the humanitarian crises in Gaza, and their role in supporting Palestinians in the West Bank, and the wider region.

UNRWA remains a critical lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees. 

The Welsh Government continues to call for a lift on the aid blockade in Gaza. We have said that humanitarian aid should never be used as a political tool and join the UK Government in calling for Israel to respect international law and allow the unhindered flow of aid. We also reiterate that humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool and Israel is bound under international law to allow the unhindered passage of this aid.

We call for the urgent restoration of full, unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA should be supported and empowered to carry out its mandate, and all efforts must be made to ensure that the most vulnerable—especially children, the elderly, and the displaced—receive the food, care, and protection they urgently need.