Starmer ‘must explain’ decision to give UN aid agency £13m despite alleged Hamas link.H
Rishi Sunak’s Government previously paused funding for UNWRA, citing concerns over reports that several members of staff had links to Hamas.
Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire from former Conservative Home Secretary Priti Patel after committing an additional £13 million to the UN’s Gaza aid agency, despite allegations of staff links to Hamas.
The Prime Minister met with UNRWA commissioner Philippe Lazzarini on Wednesday, announcing the funding to support refugees in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPTs).
The Tories, led by former PM Rishi Sunak, had previously paused funding for UNRWA, citing claims that members of its staff were tied to Hamas and involved in the October 7 atrocities against Israel
In August, UNRWA dismissed nine staff members following an internal investigation that revealed potential involvement in the Hamas-led attack.
However, the Labour government had already reinstated funding for the agency earlier in the year.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: GETTY)
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel questioned the decision, urging the Prime Minister to clarify how the priorities of securing hostages, delivering aid, and establishing peace were advanced through his discussions with UNRWA’s leadership.
Patel pointed to the agency’s dismissal of staff linked to the attacks and called for “adequate vetting of personnel and activities” within UNRWA.
She said: “Securing the release of hostages in Gaza, getting more aid in to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced, and establishing a sustainable peace must be a priority for the Government.
“The Prime Minister needs to explain how these priorities were advanced in his discussions with Philippe Lazzarini.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick (Image: Getty)
Ms Patel added: “Ministers have now committed more taxpayers’ money to UNWRA, but they need to prove to us that the £21m of funding they released in summer reached those most in need.
“There are deeply worrying reports that criminal gangs are ambushing aid in Gaza. It would be unacceptable for British aid to be abused, used by terrorists, or if it failed to reach the most in need civilians.“
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said: “The UK Government should not be providing any aid to UNRWA until it has ridded itself of Hamas operatives.”
Speaking after the meeting with Mr Lazzarini, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister began by expressing his deep condolences for the many UNRWA staff who have been killed in conflict and they both agreed that more must be done to protect aid workers in Gaza.”
Sir Keir Starmer has committed the UK to an extra £13million in funding for UNWRA (Image: Getty)
They added: “Minister for the UK’s resolute support for UNRWA, and they both underscored the importance of upholding international humanitarian law.
“On funding, the Prime Minister committed to an additional £13 million to UNRWA to support vital services for Palestinian refugees in the OPTs and the region.
“The two reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and an increase of humanitarian aid.
“They agreed to continue to work together with international partners to strive for peace in the Middle East.”
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) has consistently defended its operations and oversight mechanisms when faced with allegations of links to Hamas or other extremist groups.
