UK Resumes Funding to UN Gaza Aid Agency

The UK will resume its funding to UNRWA, the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees, following reassurances about the agency's neutrality and a thorough review of alleged links between its staff and terror groups. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision, reinstating the UK's twenty-one million pound annual funding. UNRWA plays a crucial role in aiding over half of Gaza's two million residents, and the funding is vital for future reconstruction efforts.

The UK will resume its funding to UNRWA, the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees, following an announcement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

The decision comes after reassurances about UNRWA's neutrality post a review of alleged links between its staff and terror groups.

Previously, 16 Western nations, including the UK, halted donations in January after Israel claimed 12 UNRWA staff were involved in the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

An internal UN investigation is ongoing, but an April review found no evidence of the allegations against hundreds of UNRWA personnel.

The UK's renewed £21 million annual funding aligns with other countries that resumed aid, leaving the United States as the only major donor yet to restart contributions.

Mr. Lammy emphasized UNRWA's indispensable role in aiding over half of Gaza’s two million residents and its importance for future rebuilding efforts.

Part of the funding will go towards management reforms recommended by the UN.

UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma welcomed the UK’s decision, affirming the agency’s commitment to neutrality and the implementation of the April review’s recommendations.