Amidst reports of Israeli troops malhandling medical personnel in Gaza, the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron faces tough questions. The UK is also urged to address halted funding for Gaza’s UNRWA and delay in allocating Chelsea sale funds intended for Ukraine.
David Cameron, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, is poised to respond to difficult inquiries in the House of Lords concerning the potential escalation of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This situation arises from reports detailing the maltreatment of medical personnel in Gaza by Israeli troops, triggering a call for a comprehensive investigation. Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell emphasized the necessity for accountability, expressing the UK government’s demands for a detailed explanation amidst these allegations.
Additionally, Angus Robertson, the Scottish Government’s External Affairs Secretary, has urged the UK Government to recommence funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, highlighting its integral role in supporting millions in need within the region. The UK previously halted funding following accusations of UNRWA staff’s involvement with Hamas attacks on Israel. Robertson’s appeal emphasizes the immediate necessity to reverse this decision to prevent further humanitarian crises, urging the UK to follow in the footsteps of the European Commission, which has already reinstated financial support to UNRWA.
Furthermore, the UK Government faces critique for its delay in allocating proceeds from the Chelsea Football Club sale, meant to aid Ukraine conflict victims. Andrew Mitchell acknowledged the extensive delay and outlined the challenges involving the EU and Portugal that have contributed to the freezing of these funds in a UK bank account. Despite the complexity of the situation, there is a pressing demand for resolving the distribution issue, particularly for establishing a charitable foundation to ensure the proceeds assist those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
These unfolding events highlight significant discussions and actions required from the UK government regarding international humanitarian aid and accountability amidst ongoing global conflicts.
