Palestinian health and dignity

I certainly appreciate concerns which have been raised about the health of many Palestinian people. There will ultimately be no relief for the people in Gaza, who are suffering so terribly, until there is a political solution.

I firmly believe that the international community must redouble its efforts to support a comprehensive peace agreement that delivers an independent Palestine alongside a safe and secure Israel, and I was pleased to hear the Government confirm that in the recent debate on the talks in the House of Commons on 5 July.

In tandem with that effort, the UK provides Overseas Development Assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The priorities are to help build strong institutions and enable the Palestinian Authority to deliver essential services such as policing, health and education, as well as providing humanitarian assistance and support to the vulnerable and stimulating the economy and creating jobs. UK funding will provide around 25,000 young Palestinians with access to an education, up to 3,700 immunisations for children, and 185,000 medical consultations each year.

The Access Coordination Unit, which we also fund, provides operational support to humanitarian agencies to ensure access permits are issued for personnel and goods, to enable these vital resources to reach the most vulnerable. The UK also seeks to support the rebuilding of Gaza as a humanitarian imperative, to alleviate shelter and basic service needs which were exacerbated by the 2014 conflict, to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty.

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