London: The UK announced today its pledge of an additional £8.5 million in humanitarian support for Gaza. The funding aims to provide vital assistance including food, water, and fuel to areas in Gaza that are in urgent need.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the UK aid funding announced today has the potential to reach thousands of civilians in Gaza, contingent upon Israel allowing the UN and other agencies to operate at the necessary scale. The newly announced £8.5 million will be channeled through the UN's OCHA Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) Humanitarian Fund.
UK support delivered through OCHA has ensured critical healthcare provisions, food, and cash assistance for over 750,000 Palestinians during the ongoing conflict. OCHA's healthcare initiatives, which include providing fuel for hospitals and medicines, have benefited nearly 1 million people. However, the UN agency has warned that their efforts are being systematically obstructed.
Minister for International Development Jenny Chapman emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, urging Israel to reverse its decision to expand military operations. She highlighted the necessity for all parties to return to the ceasefire to alleviate the suffering and secure the release of hostages.
Chapman criticized the bottleneck of aid at the border, stating that the UK is prepared to provide more support through its partners. She called on the Government of Israel to permit the safe and secure entry of aid, noting the chaotic scenes as civilians vie for limited resources.
The UK remains the largest donor to the UN OCHA pool fund in 2025, underscoring its commitment to alleviating the hardship faced by Gazans. This funding is part of the UK's £101 million ODA budget for the OPTs for this financial year, with £60 million allocated for lifesaving humanitarian support.
In addition to humanitarian relief, UK ODA in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is also aimed at supporting Palestinian economic development and strengthening governance and reform. The UK government continues to urge Israel to reconsider its military escalation plans and advocates for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid to Gaza.
