Gaza: Humanitarian Situation

Several Members of Parliament asked the Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Anneliese Dodds, about the steps the Government is taking to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Gordon McKee, Richard Burgon, Deirdre Costigan, Laura Kyrke-Smith, Bambos Charalambous, and Ruth Cadbury all raised concerns about the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with McKee noting the decrease in aid cargo entering the region and the damage to hospitals. The Minister acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that almost 90% of the population in Gaza have been displaced and that there is a risk of famine. She said the UK is providing significant humanitarian support and pressing Israel to allow for the safe and effective distribution of aid within Gaza. In response to further questions, the Minister outlined the Government's efforts to resume funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and work with the World Health Organization to address the risk of polio outbreaks due to the lack of sanitation and clean water. She also stated that the Government is keeping all sanctions regimes under review, including in relation to the situation in the West Bank. Other MPs, such as Kit Malthouse and Brendan O'Hara, raised concerns about the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and the potential misuse of aid by Hamas. The Minister acknowledged these issues and reiterated the importance of ensuring that aid reaches those in need directly, without being diverted. She also emphasized the Government's commitment to following all legal procedures regarding arms sales and international humanitarian law. Overall, the Minister's responses highlighted the Government's recognition of the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its efforts to provide aid, press for increased access, and address the broader challenges facing the Palestinian people.