asked Her Majesty's Government:

What immediate action they, the European Union and United Nations agencies are taking to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Gaza. [HL4398]

On 19 June, DfID announced a contribution of £1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for immediate humanitarian needs. The ICRC has delivered medical supplies, repatriated bodies, evacuated medical cases, and supported the Palestinian Red Crescent to deliver blood supplies. It has also assisted the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to deliver basic food supplies to the affected population.

UNRWA is continuing to provide emergency food assistance to 850,000 Gaza refugees, along with other essential services. It is also supporting the 250 people trapped at the Erez crossing. One hundred and four UNRWA containers await transit through the Karni crossing. DfID gave £15.6 million through UNRWA in April this year.

On 19 June, the World Food Programme (WFP) brought in seven truckloads of food, and the World Health Organisation (together with ICRC), brought in three truckloads of medical supplies. WFP hopes to move 10 truckloads per day.

Through the temporary international mechanism (TIM), the European Union is continuing to fund fuel for Gaza’s power station, enabling the continued operation of water, sanitation and health services. It is also paying allowances for government workers. DfID has given £15 million through the TIM so far.

The European Commission's Humanitarian Office (ECHO) is funding major UN agencies. Its programme includes €9.8 million for the World Health Organisation, €6 million for UNRWA’s food programme in Gaza, and €9 million to WFP. In addition to ECHO’s yearly contribution to UNRWA, it will also be making a further contribution to UNRWA’s food aid programme.