UK Pledges Additional £13m to UNRWA Amid Controversy Over Alleged Terrorist Ties

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The United Kingdom has pledged an additional £13 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main provider of aid to Palestinian refugees, despite allegations that some of its staff were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. This new funding supplements the £21 million already committed earlier this year, signaling a strong show of support for the agency despite its contentious status with Israel.  

 

The announcement followed a meeting between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on Wednesday. Downing Street stated that the funds would be used to bolster essential services for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and other parts of the region.  

 

 

During the meeting, Sir Keir expressed condolences for the UNRWA staff members killed in the ongoing conflict and emphasized the need for enhanced protections for aid workers operating in Gaza. Both leaders also reiterated their calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to alleviate the growing crisis in the region.  

 

The decision to continue supporting UNRWA highlights the UK’s commitment to addressing humanitarian needs despite the agency’s ban from operating in Israeli-controlled areas. The Israeli government has long accused UNRWA of harboring ties to terrorist groups, with the October 7 attack further fueling these allegations.  

 

The funding pledge also follows a previous announcement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy in July, when the UK resumed financial support for UNRWA after a pause under the Conservative government. At the time, the agency faced accusations that some of its staff had been complicit in terrorist activities, leading to heightened scrutiny of its operations.  

 

Critics argue that the UK’s renewed support undermines efforts to hold UNRWA accountable for its alleged links to violence. However, proponents of the funding stress that the aid is essential to providing healthcare, education, and other vital services to millions of Palestinian refugees living under increasingly dire conditions.  

 

As the conflict in Gaza continues, the UK’s decision underscores the tension between humanitarian priorities and concerns over security and accountability. The additional funding, though controversial, reaffirms Britain’s position as a key supporter of UNRWA’s work in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-16