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The British government will increase by 19 million pounds sterling (about 22.8 million euros) its humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the situation is “catastrophic,” announced Advancement Minister Anneliese Dodds on Monday, who is going to Cairo to attend a conference on this issue. .
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The minister said in a statement published before the Cairo conference on Monday, “The people of Gaza are in dire need of food and shelter” in the winter, adding, “The Cairo conference will be an opportunity to propose concrete solutions to the humanitarian crisis. .”
This new funding from the UK is divided between £12 million for the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme, and £7 million for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA ).
The High Commissioner of the United Nations Relief and works Agency for Palestine Refugees, philippe Lazzarini, announced on Sunday that UNRWA had suspended the entry of humanitarian aid from the Kerem shalom crossing due to security concerns.
In total, the UK has allocated £99 million (€120 million) in humanitarian aid to the occupied Palestinian territories this year, the government said.
– How can individuals in teh UK support the humanitarian efforts in Gaza?
Q&A: Exploring the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza with anneliese Dodds, UK Minister for Advancement
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Dodds. The announcement of an additional £19 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza has sparked considerable interest. Can you explain the immediate needs driving this increase?
Anneliese Dodds: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The situation in Gaza is currently catastrophic. As we prepare for winter, the urgent requirements for food and shelter are at the forefront. The additional funding will help alleviate some of the suffering faced by the people in the region, especially in terms of access to essential supplies.
interviewer: The allocation of funds is crucial. Could you provide insights into how this £19 million will be distributed between various agencies, and what impact this funding will have?
Anneliese Dodds: Of course. Out of the total amount, £12 million is designated for the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Program, which are both critical in delivering food assistance and addressing emergency humanitarian needs. The remaining £7 million will support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This funding is intended to ensure the continued provision of essential services, ranging from education to health care, for Palestinian refugees.
Interviewer: There are reports that UNRWA has suspended the entry of humanitarian aid due to security concerns. How does this influence the situation on the ground and the effectiveness of the aid being sent?
Anneliese Dodds: That’s a significant concern. The suspension of aid entry at the Kerem Shalom crossing is a setback. It highlights the complexities of operating in a region where security and humanitarian needs ofen clash. This underscores the necessity of addressing not just immediate humanitarian needs but also the broader geopolitical challenges that impact aid delivery.
Interviewer: Looking ahead to the Cairo conference, what are the key objectives you hope to accomplish in terms of proposing solutions to the humanitarian crisis?
Anneliese Dodds: The Cairo conference is a vital platform. Our goal is to foster dialog and collaboration between various entities—governments, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations—to develop concrete, actionable solutions. We aim to establish frameworks that ensure not only the delivery of immediate relief but also the long-term resilience of the affected communities. Addressing the humanitarian crisis requires a multifaceted approach,and we hope to gather support for thorough strategies.
Interviewer: With the UK having allocated £99 million in humanitarian aid to the occupied Palestinian territories this year alone, what message does this send to the international community regarding the UK’s commitment to humanitarian issues?
Anneliese Dodds: This substantial funding signals that the UK is serious about its humanitarian responsibilities. We are committed to fostering international cooperation in addressing crises.Our approach is built on solidarity and the understanding that humanitarian aid must be a priority in areas facing extreme distress. We call upon other nations to reflect on their roles and support ongoing efforts.
Interviewer: what practical advice would you give our readers who want to contribute positively to the situation in Gaza?
Anneliese Dodds: There are many avenues for individuals to make a difference. Supporting verified charities and organizations working in Gaza is one effective way. Raising awareness through social media platforms and discussions within communities can also help draw attention to ongoing needs. Every action, no matter how small, can contribute to generating a broader response to this pressing humanitarian crisis.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Dodds, for sharing your insights and efforts regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. It’s crucial that we continue this dialogue and support initiatives aimed at alleviating the crisis.
Anneliese Dodds: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we keep this dialogue open and actionable.