Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Second Report - Humanitarian situation in Gaza
International Development Committee
HC 110
Published 1 March 2024
Recommendations
14
Acknowledged
Para 51
Adopt a comprehensive three-pillar approach addressing political, security, and humanitarian aspects of the crisis.
Recommendation
There needs to be a three-pillar approach to this crisis and its lasting resolution – covering political, security and humanitarian. All three are essential and cannot be seen in isolation, and whilst it is not the remit of this Committee …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that they continue to coordinate with international partners on plans for a sustained ceasefire and support for reconstruction of Gaza.
16
Acknowledged
Para 59
Require all international partners to recognise and plan for long-term support for Gaza's IDPs.
Recommendation
The internally displaced people (IDPs) in Gaza will not be able to go home when the fighting ends. Most do not have a home or livelihood to go to and children will have missed months of education. This means that …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that they continue to coordinate with international partners on plans for a sustained ceasefire and support for reconstruction of Gaza.
23
Acknowledged
Para 78
Insist Israel complies with international humanitarian law, holding them accountable with partners.
Recommendation
It is not within this Committee’s remit to consider International Law but, in every conversation, it was raised with us and the arguments made were compelling that breaches of international law are taking place. The UK Government must insist that …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it has been clear with Israel that it must uphold international humanitarian law and that it regularly assesses Israel's commitment. It does not, however, commit to new specific actions to 'insist' or 'work with international partners to hold Israel to account' beyond its current approach.
25
Acknowledged
Press for contemporaneous evidence gathering for future investigations into international law compliance.
Recommendation
And the UK Government must press for evidence to be gathered contemporaneously so that thorough investigations about compliance with international law on both sides can take place after the fighting stops. (Paragraph 80) 22 Humanitarian situation in Gaza
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, reiterating its stance that all parties must uphold international humanitarian law (IHL) and that it regularly assesses Israel's commitment. However, it does not specifically commit to pressing for contemporaneous evidence gathering for future investigations.
Conclusions (5)
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 16
The UK Government must call for all existing land crossings to be opened and for opening hours extended. This would speed up aid getting through the border and allow access to other areas of Gaza, particularly in the north. Ultimately, this is the only way to avoid famine. Pressure must …
Government Response Summary
The government outlines its diplomatic efforts, including calls for deconfliction and protection of aid workers, especially following the WCK killings. While highlighting the urgent need for more aid access and for Israel to do more, it does not explicitly commit to the specific recommendation of calling for all existing land crossings to be opened and their hours extended.
4
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 27
NGOs and UN organisations have explained how their operations are severely limited by the scale of destruction in Gaza. The infrastructure is poor and some roads are impassable - and the desperation of the inhabitants means journeys present many challenges for their staff. With almost two million people living around …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees commercial supplies are crucial and has raised this with Israeli authorities. It continues to work with partners on proposals to increase commercial truck access and UKAID programming is ready to support these increased supplies.
11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 41
Gazans also need to be supported to rebuild their own internal food market, from growing fruit and vegetables to raising livestock - all of which occurred before this crisis. The UK must build this into any future plans for its support to Gaza after the current conflict.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees the international community must consider recovery and reconstruction, but makes no specific commitment to supporting the rebuilding of Gaza's internal food market or integrating this into UK future plans.
13
Conclusion
Acknowledged
While the comments above will mitigate some of the worst horrors of the situation, the Committee is clear that unless there is a lasting ceasefire, this catastrophe will continue to escalate. According to those we spoke to, anything less than 30 days would not allow enough aid in, or give …
Government Response Summary
The Government says they continue to coordinate with like-minded international partners on plans for a sustained ceasefire and support for reconstruction of Gaza, after the current conflict has ended.
22
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 73
UNRWA is the only functioning organisation in parts of Gaza and the people of Gaza need its support. Whether it needs to be reformed to support long-term regeneration in Gaza is an important question but is one for the future planning.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges UNRWA's vital role in Gaza and that it provides important distribution capacity. However, it notes that future funding to UNRWA is currently paused due to allegations, pending consideration of independent investigation reports and UNRWA's response.