Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Britain is likely to end its “pause” of funding to UNRWA but only after the Palestinian refugee agency’s links to Hamas have been addressed, Whitehall sources have said.
The links were alleged by Israel, which has offered no supporting evidence.
The UK was one of 18 countries that in January halted financing for the UN Relief and Works Agency after Israel alleged 12 of its 30,000 staff had taken part in the Hamas-led attacks on October 7. Its contributions were at that time paid in advance, so London has not missed a funding round for the agency.
While Britain had made all its planned contributions of £35 million ($43.1 million) to UNRWA for the last financial year, the government said it would resume funding only after reforms proposed by a UN inquiry have been realised.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, on Monday said: "He has agreed with Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini that UNRWA, with the Secretary General’s support, will establish an action plan to implement the recommendations. Moving forward, the Secretary General appeals to all stakeholders to actively support UNRWA, as it is a lifeline for Palestine refugees in the region."
With the US halting all its aid, which accounts for almost half of the agency’s $880 million budget, until next March at the earliest, a significant funding shortfall remains, with much of Gaza’s population on the brink of famine.
Unpaused
Along with the EU and other nations, Britain suspended its aid after the October 7 links were revealed but while other countries have restored funding the UK has not, in part due to the rear-guard action by some members of the government benches, who do not accept the UN findings.
Whitehall sources have indicated there is a danger funding would be “unpaused” but not immediately reinstated, partly because there is a strong pro-Israeli Conservative MP group which has lobbied hard against the move.
It is understood a forthcoming UN report will feature a number of recommendations to make UNRWA more accountable and transparent.
The organisation has previously said it will provide a list of employees and ID card copies to donor countries.
Since then, the EU and eight countries have restored funding and Britain’s deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell has accepted there is no other organisation in Gaza that can distribute aid.
'Need is great'
While the opposition Labour Party supported the investigation into UNRWA, it has demanded there is “no interruption” of UK funding during the current financial year that began this month.
Afzal Khan, a Labour MP who has argued in Parliament for aid to be restored, told The National UNRWA had “invaluable experience” in Gaza and it had “dealt appropriately” with the Hamas issue.
“Many of the other countries have restored aid, so what is the UK government doing when the need is so great that we're talking about an imminent famine?” he said. “There is no alternative, so the UK government should be getting on with it.”
Regional hub
A leading human rights lawyer has called for the relief agency to expand its remit to incorporate other refugees in the region, including Yazidis, Kurds and Syrians.
“We shouldn't be closing down UN agencies and we definitely want them on the ground,” Prof Rosa Freedman said.
“But UNRWA should look to become a hub for all regional refugees that falls under the mandate of the UN."
There is also the precedent of Britain continuing funding to Syria despite knowing “that in order to get humanitarian aid to the people on the ground, it would have to go through ISIS”, said the University of Reading academic.
Gaza vacuum
Israeli-based analysts said their government was likely to reluctantly accept UNRWA’S role as no other aid agency has the capacity to distribute food where it is urgently needed in Gaza.
“Because of the necessity of humanitarian aid in Gaza, UNRWA is needed as there may be no immediate replacement,” said Richard Pater of the Jerusalem-based Bicom think tank.
“As faulty and problematic as UNRWA is, you can't have a vacuum in Gaza, so until an adequate body is there to replace them, renewing aid might be the calculation of a British government.”
‘Terrible decision’
Human rights organisation Amnesty International told The National it was “really shocked” that Britain had put funding on hold in January.
“We called it a terrible decision at the time and we think, if anything, it is even more imperatively urgent that the funding is reinstated with the deteriorating situation in Gaza,” spokesman Neil Durkin said.
He added Israel’s “continued flouting” of the UN’s and International Criminal Court of Justice’s demand on providing aid since January meant that Britain should resume its funding.
Mr Lazzarini has previously warned dismantling the organisation would “have lasting repercussions” and “accelerate the onset of famine”.
“In the longer term, it will jeopardise the transition from ceasefire to ‘day after’ by depriving a traumatised population of essential services."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Arabian Gulf League fixtures:
Friday:
- Emirates v Hatta, 5.15pm
- Al Wahda v Al Dhafra, 5.25pm
- Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, 8.15pm
Saturday:
- Dibba v Ajman, 5.15pm
- Sharjah v Al Wasl, 5.20pm
- Al Jazira v Al Nasr, 8.15pm
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Brief scoreline:
Wales 1
James 5'
Slovakia 0
Man of the Match: Dan James (Wales)
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.
Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.
Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5