UK Urges Protection of Humanitarian Aid and Accountability in Gaza, West Bank at UN
On 7 October 2023, the United Kingdom delivered a statement at the UN Human Rights Council addressing the dire human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Gaza and the West Bank. The UK highlighted concerns that recent deregistration and closure of international NGOs risk severing life-saving humanitarian assistance at a critical time.
The UK emphasized the importance of safeguarding the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which provides essential education and healthcare services to millions of Palestinians. The statement underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid to enter the region safely, quickly, and at scale to alleviate civilian suffering.
Further, the UK reiterated its strong stance on ensuring accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws. It condemned the targeting of civilians amidst ongoing violence, reinforcing international expectations for lawful conduct during conflict.
This position reflects growing international concern over worsening conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where hundreds of thousands of civilians rely heavily on humanitarian support. The UK’s message calls attention to the risk of escalating humanitarian crises if aid organizations are further obstructed.
