The British government has announced the resumption of funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The Foreign Office had suspended its funding in January following Israeli allegations that some agency staff were involved in the October 7 attacks against Israel.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed the House of Commons, stating, “I was horrified by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attacks, but the United Nations has taken these allegations seriously.”
He added, “The United Kingdom was reassured after an independent review that the agency has taken steps to ensure its commitment to the highest standards of neutrality and has strengthened its procedures, including auditing.”
Lammy further mentioned, “Partners like Japan, the European Union, and Norway have now also moved. This government will move as well. I can confirm to the House that we will lift the suspension of UNRWA funding.”
He announced that the United Kingdom will provide £21 million to UNRWA.
With this decision, the United States remains the only country that has not resumed funding for the agency.
