Select Committee · International Development Committee

Humanitarian situation in Gaza

Status: Closed Opened: 6 Nov 2023 Closed: 23 May 2024 11 recommendations 14 conclusions 1 report

Report and Government response published Since the Hamas terrorist atrocities of 7 October 2023, the International Development Committee has held three urgent evidence hearings in Parliament, and Members of the Committee recently returned from the aid logistics centre and hospital at Al-Arish in North Sinai where some badly injured Palestinian civilians have been evacuated for …

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Second Report - Humanitarian situation in Gaza HC 110 1 Mar 2024 25 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

5 items
3 Conclusion Second Report - Humanitarian situation … Accepted

Deconfliction system for aid workers in Gaza is failing, causing harm.

The deconfliction system, whereby organisations notify the Israeli military about where they are going to be working and distributing aid, is not working, and aid workers have been killed and injured in their duties.

Government response. The government states Israel must ensure aid availability and open more crossings, while detailing its own specific actions to increase aid delivery. These include announcing military and civilian support for a maritime aid corridor and conducting multiple RAF airdrops.
12 Recommendation Second Report - Humanitarian situation … Accepted

Acknowledge and address the humanitarian crisis's disruptive impact on Egypt's economy and public services.

The Egyptian Red Crescent Society and Egypt’s Ministries of Health and Population and of Social Solidarity must be praised for their heroic work on the front line of supporting Gazans and coordinating efforts. The UK Government must acknowledge the disruption this crisis is causing to the Egyptian economy and its …

Government response. The government agrees, acknowledging the strain on Egypt's health system and its impressive support for Palestinians. The UK has offered assistance, including medical teams, and the British Embassy will remain in regular contact with Egypt's Ministry of Health to carefully …
17 Recommendation Second Report - Humanitarian situation … Accepted

Plan future phases for Gaza's reconstruction, involving Palestinian people and international partners.

It is difficult to see past the horrors that are ongoing in Gaza today. But the UK Government must plan for the next phase. These plans must include the Palestinian people and will include discussions with bilateral partners and also multilateral organisations. It is in no one’s interest to create …

Government response. The government fully agrees on planning for the future, with recovery and reconstruction efforts led by Palestinians, and commits to working with allies to provide support to bolster the Palestinian Authority.
18 Recommendation Second Report - Humanitarian situation … Accepted

Include Gaza's people in reconstruction plans, supporting local businesses through financial mechanisms and contracts.

The UK Government must listen to the people of Gaza and include them in the plans for reconstruction. Allowing them to rebuild their businesses alongside their homes will allow much-needed economic activity to restart, help to restore the dignity of the Gazan population and rebuild their lives. The UK Government …

Government response. The government agrees and fully supports including Gazans and their economic recovery in reconstruction plans, including engaging Gazan firms and civil society organizations. The UK is considering various forms of support, such as grants, loans, insurance cover, and political engagement, …
24 Recommendation Second Report - Humanitarian situation … Accepted

Push Israel to allow necessary aid into Gaza and protect healthcare workers and facilities.

Following the ruling by the International Court of Justice on 26 January, the UK Government must push Israel to allow the necessary aid into Gaza. The Committee has received no reassurance that healthcare workers and facilities are being protected, as is required under international humanitarian law, and the UK Government …

Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation, stating the UK has long advocated for more aid into Gaza and the immediate release of hostages. The Prime Minister has directly communicated expectations to PM Netanyahu for immediate action to end aid restrictions, …

Oral evidence sessions

3 sessions
Date Witnesses
27 Feb 2024 Dr Richard Brennan · World Health Organisation (WHO), Matthew Hollingworth · World Food Programme View ↗
9 Jan 2024 Dr Ghada Al Jadba · United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Nebal Farsakh · Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Rohan Talbot · Medical Aid for Palestinians View ↗
14 Nov 2023 Melanie Ward · Medical Aid for Palestinians, Sam Rose · United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Shaina Low · Norwegian Refugee Council, Yasmine Ahmed · Human Rights Watch View ↗

Correspondence

10 letters
DateDirectionTitle
29 Apr 2024 Correspondence to the Foreign Secretary relating to Funding for UNRWA - 25 Apri…
29 Apr 2024 Correspondence from the Foreign Secretary relating to Funding for UNRWA - 29 Ap…
23 Apr 2024 Correspondence to the Foreign Secretary relating to the Shortages of medical su…
23 Apr 2024 Correspondence from the Foreign Secretary relating to the Shortages of medical …
12 Mar 2024 Correspondence to the Foreign Secretary regarding the protection of humanitaria…
12 Mar 2024 Correspondence from the Foreign Secretary regarding the protection of humanitar…
21 Feb 2024 Correspondence from the Foreign Secretary regarding the Healthcare situation in…
17 Jan 2024 Correspondence to the Foreign Secretary regarding the Healthcare situation in G…
5 Dec 2023 Correspondence from the Foreign Secretary regarding the humanitarian situation …
16 Nov 2023 Correspondence to the Foreign Secretary regarding the humanitarian situation in…