Britain announced on Tuesday that it would increase its aid to UNRWA the UN agency for “Palestinian refugees.”
“Today I announced an additional £7 million of British aid for UNRWA. This helps ensure Palestinians can continue to access vital healthcare and education” British minister of state for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt said.
“The international community must follow our lead and step up support to ensure vital services aren’t interrupted” he added.
Britain’s announcement comes several days after the US administration announced it would no longer fund UNRWA.
Washington’s new decision over UNRWA came several months after it decided to cut some of its funding to the agency as part of its intents to end the Palestinian right of return.
UNRWA recently said it had managed to pay salaries and provide some services but also said there was still a large budget deficit of $256 million.
On Saturday the European Union (EU) urged the US to reconsider its “regrettable” decision to cut funding to UNRWA and affirmed it would continue to fund the organization.
“The EU is committed to secure the continuation and sustainability of the agency’s work which is vital for stability and security in the region” a statement emphasized adding that “many others in the international community including many Arab states have pledged their support to the continuity of the work that UNRWA is doing.”
The US decision was also criticized by Jordan whose foreign minister warned the decision would only fuel radicalism and harm prospects for Middle East peace.
