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The people of Gaza “will starve to death” if Israel goes ahead with its ban on UNRWA, the chairwoman of the UK’s international development committee has told The National.
Sarah Champion has condemned the country’s government for failing to announce a plan on how to deal with ending the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees' role in the occupied Palestinian territories on January 28.
It’s having a chilling effect already in terms of movement of people
Sarah Champion
The politician, along with Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, has warned that if the legislation for the “cessation of UNRWA activities” in Israel, passed by the Knesset last October, is enacted, it would derail the ceasefire deal that should begin on Sunday.
“If this is implemented to the letter, the people in Gaza would starve to death because none of the facilities will work and none of the aid will be distributed,” Ms Champion said.
The legislation was passed unanimously after Israel alleged that a small number of UNRWA’s 13,000 employees took part in Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
Chilling effect
UNRWA is the linchpin in providing education, health care, social services and humanitarian aid to six million Palestinians. It also operates sewerage, water purification, water supply and drainage facilities, as well as food aid, to about two million people.
Before visiting Israel last month and speaking to Palestinians, Ms Champion admitted she did not “realise the scale of calamity that this piece of legislation will bring” to the occupied territories.
“It will literally stop any services to both the people of Gaza and to Palestinian refugees,” she warned. “It’s having a chilling effect already in terms of movement of people, but it literally will stop any food getting distributed in Gaza.”
Because the ban would have a “catastrophic impact”, she said that under the Geneva Conventions, Israel as the occupier had a legal duty to provide vital services.
No time for logistics
While Britain and other countries were “having very direct conversations with Israel” about the UN agency, the key problem was that logistics to replace it would take weeks to set up.
“And the people in Gaza do not have weeks to wait for this,” Ms Champion warned. “They're already in famine-like conditions, so hanging around for a couple of weeks while logistics are sorted isn't an option.”
While incoming US president Donald Trump has previously been hostile towards UNRWA and is unlikely to restore American funding, which previously amounted to more than $300 million a year, there was hope that he wanted the Gaza-Israel situation resolved.
“Within eight days of him coming into office, UNRWA effectively stops, or is stopped from operating,” said the Labour MP. “So that is going to be a real challenge.”
Clock is ticking
She urged the British government to convene the international community to demand that Israel present its plans for taking over the delivery of aid and services in Gaza. “The whole of the UN family needs to be rallying behind and demanding those plans,” she said, speaking to The National at her Westminster office.
But with its alleged connections to Hamas, UNRWA has become highly unpopular among many Israelis and the legislation is something the government was unlikely to reverse.
Ms Champion also raised the issue with Mr Lammy in parliament on Thursday, saying that Gaza’s schools and hospitals were barely functioning and the threat of famine remains. “We cannot see how there cannot be a role for the essential UN agency [UNRWA] at this time, if this peace is to hold,” Mr Lammy responded.
He added that he had made this point to the Israeli government during a visit to the region on Monday. “The clock is ticking down to that Knesset legislation and what we don't want is this peace on Sunday undermined by that legislation just a few days into its passing,” he told MPs.
Aid missions to Gaza - in pictures
Enforceable consequences
A report by parliament’s international development committee also warned that the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank “could deteriorate rapidly, possibly irreparably, almost certainly leading to further conflict and displacement”.
It recommended that the British government pressured Israel into immediately announcing its plans on how it would deliver services currently supplied by UNRWA.
The MPs also called on the UK to lead on a co-ordinated motion at the UN, “setting out clear and enforceable consequences should Israel undermine the UNRWA mandate”.
“Israel’s proposed ban would prevent aid distribution in Gaza, devastate Palestinian livelihoods and send disruptive ripples throughout the Middle East,” said Ms Champion.
Six UNRWA staff among 18 killed in Israeli bombing of Gaza school - video
Forcible transfers
The report also warned that Israel risked breaching its international obligations and the Oslo Accords through its tacit support for illegal settlements in the West Bank.
But it also called on the British government to now use the term “forcible transfer” when referring to the removal of Palestinians from their land rather than using the term “displacement”, as this would follow an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.
Britain should also work alongside its allies to “demand an end to Israel’s forcible transfer policy” and pursue them in the international courts. “This must include accountability for those settlers who illegally encroach on Palestinian lands, the bodies running the settlements, and the politicians and figures in authority who support, encourage and authorise those settlers to do so,” the MPs said.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
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if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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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Results
2.30pm: Dubai Creek Tower – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: Marmara Xm, Gary Sanchez (jockey), Abdelkhir Adam (trainer)
3pm: Al Yasmeen – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: AS Hajez, Jesus Rosales, Khalifa Al Neyadi
3.30pm: Al Ferdous – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Soukainah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
4pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah – Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: AF Thayer, Ray Dawson, Ernst Oertel
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup – Handicap (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: George Villiers, Antonio Fresu, Bhupat Seemar
5pm: Palma Spring – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Es Abu Mousa, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
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Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
