Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has come under fire for the UK’s continued suspension of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides humanitarian aid in Gaza. The controversy began earlier this year when the UK halted its contributions following allegations from Israel that approximately a dozen UNRWA employees were implicated in a Hamas attack on October 7.
Despite the release of an independent report that found no evidence supporting Israel’s claims against the UN agency, the UK has not resumed its financial support. This decision stands in contrast to actions taken by countries like Canada, France, and Germany, which have already reinstated their funding after the report’s findings were published.
Brendan O’Hara, the SNP’s foreign affairs spokesman at Westminster, has voiced significant concern over the UK government’s stance, suggesting it reflects a disregard for the plight of the Palestinian people. In a letter to Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, O’Hara accused the UK of failing in its duty to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which he described as an “ongoing intentional starvation” of the population.
O’Hara’s criticisms extend beyond the immediate funding issue. He argues that the UK’s actions—or lack thereof—signal a broader indifference towards international humanitarian crises and potential war crimes in the region. He expressed dismay at the UK government’s apparent reluctance to engage with, or even acknowledge, the deteriorating situation in Gaza that he believes is exacerbated by the funding halt.
The UK government has stated that it intends to make a decision on the future of its UNRWA funding based on a comprehensive review of the situation, including the findings of Catherine Colonna’s final report and the ongoing investigation by the UN Office for Internal Oversight Services. A Foreign Office spokesman reiterated the gravity of the allegations against UNRWA staff and emphasized that the UK’s decision to pause funding was a “decisive action” in response to these serious claims.
As debates continue within the UK and internationally, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with calls for renewed aid and support growing louder amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
