Britain Resumes Funding to UNRWA Amid Palestinian Crisis

Britain's new Labour government has decided to resume funding to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. This marks a significant change in its approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The funding was initially halted due to accusations of misconduct involving UNRWA staff by Israel. Now reassured by improvements in UNRWA's neutrality, the UK is providing £21 million in aid.

The newly elected Labour government announced on Friday that it would resume funding to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, signaling a major shift in its stance on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. This decision follows Britain's previous funding halt due to accusations by Israel that UNRWA staff were involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which led to the Gaza war.

Foreign Minister David Lammy informed Parliament that the agency has taken steps to ensure the 'highest standards of neutrality,' including improved vetting procedures. Lammy emphasized that UNRWA is crucial for providing education, health care, and aid to millions of Palestinians, and announced that the UK government would allocate £21 million ($27 million) in new funding for the agency.

In Gaza, severe malnutrition has left mothers unable to produce breast milk and increased rates of diseases like diarrhea and polio, Lammy noted. He stressed the importance of humanitarian aid, stating, 'Humanitarian aid is a moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe, and it is aid agencies who ensure UK support reaches civilians on the ground. UNRWA is absolutely central to these efforts.'

This policy shift follows Labour's electoral setback, losing five seats to pro-Palestinian independent candidates. The party faced criticism for initially appearing to support Israel's harsh tactics in Gaza. A review led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna found no evidence to support Israel's accusations against UNRWA staff. Other countries, including Japan, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Canada, have also resumed funding to the agency.

Lammy's predecessor, David Cameron, had sought guarantees from UNRWA regarding its employment practices. On questions about whether Britain would challenge the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over potential arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, Lammy said the government was still deciding its position.

(With inputs from agencies.)