Constituents have contacted me about children in Gaza.

I absolutely share the concern of my constituents for the children in Gaza, who are bearing the worst consequences of this conflict. Too many children have been killed, or orphaned and injured, and are experiencing unimaginable suffering.

Of course, the best way to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is to bring an end to the fighting as soon as possible. I therefore welcome that the UK Government is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction and loss of life.

I know that the UK is currently supporting NGO and UN partners to deliver medical aid and care in Gaza. This includes support for primary healthcare, trauma and emergency care services, disease surveillance and outbreak response, and deployment of Emergency Medical Teams. I also understand that my ministerial colleagues are exploring further options to help meet the medical needs of Palestinians.

The UK has trebled its aid commitment for the Occupied Palestinian Territories this financial year to £87 million, of which £60 million is for Gaza, and is doing everything it can to get more aid in and open more crossings. From this £60 million, the UK is providing specific, targeted support for children through its £5.75 million contribution to UNICEF.

Furthermore, the UK has been clear that Israel must take steps, working with other partners including the UN and Egypt, to significantly increase the flow of aid into Gaza. The Foreign Secretary discussed the urgency of getting significantly more aid into Gaza to alleviate the desperate situation there with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 24 January. He reiterated the need for Israel to open more crossing points into Gaza, for Nitzana and Kerem Shalom to be open for longer, and for Israel to support the UN to distribute aid effectively across the whole of Gaza. The UK is also working to try and establish a new aid route through the Port of Ashdod.

16th February 2024