On Saturday 17 January Israel declared a unilateral ceasefire and began withdrawing troops. Hamas declared a unilateral ceasefire soon after. Aid agencies are now entering Gaza to urgently address the humanitarian situation.
The focus is now on maintaining peace. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have called publicly and privately for a robust and durable ceasefire. With over 1,000 dead, many of them civilians and children, the urgent need for a diplomatic solution is clear. Violence is not the answer.
The Government has announced a further £20 million to help rebuild Gaza and to provide humanitarian assistance. The extra funding will be crucial to help provide food, water, shelter and medical supplies for ordinary Palestinians.
We have all been appalled by the violence and suffering we have witnessed in the news during the last three weeks. It is vital that the ceasefire holds, so that the UN can use this latest funding from the British Government. Fuel is desperately needed for power stations so that hospitals can function again, peoples homes can be heated and lit, and access to safe water can be re-established.
The additional £20 million contribution will be used to allocate funds to emerging humanitarian priorities, making them available to UN agencies and non-governmental organisations working in Gaza.
Tue, Jan 20, 2009
foreign policy