Constituents have contacted me about the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the UK’s decision to pause future funding to UNWRA.
The Government wants to see an end to the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible and 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, fighting and loss of life.
I agree with the UK Government that South Africa’s case at the ICJ is not helpful in the goal of achieving a sustainable ceasefire. Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with international humanitarian law (IHL) as the UK Government has made clear from the outset. I share the Government’s view that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be described as genocide, and believed South Africa’s decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative.
Of course, I respect the role and independence of the ICJ. I welcome the court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza.
On UNWRA, I am appalled by allegations that any agency staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism, and believe it is only right that the UK is pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst these concerning allegations are reviewed. The United States, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, Switzerland and the Netherlands have all temporarily paused funding too.
I want to make clear that the UK remains committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it. The Government is getting on with aid delivery, funding multiple implementing partners including other UN agencies and international and UK NGOs. This support is helping people in Gaza get food, water, shelter and medicines.
The commitment to trebling aid to Gaza still stands and the UK is providing £60 million in humanitarian assistance to support partners including the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme and Egyptian Red Crescent Society to respond to critical food, fuel, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.
Indeed, the UK will continue to support the United Nations World Food Programme to deliver a new humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza. 750 tonnes of life-saving food aid arrived in the first delivery and 315 tonnes in the second delivery.
Finally, the Government regularly reviews Israel’s capability and commitment to IHL and acts in accordance with that advice, for example when considering export licences.
Fiona Bruce MP
5th February 2024
