STORY
At a United Nations preparatory meeting in New York, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to the Arab Plan for Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development, describing it as “a realistic path for the reconstruction of Gaza” that could swiftly alleviate the catastrophic living conditions faced by civilians there. Delivered by Stephen Hickey, Director for Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the statement urged all UN member states to consider tangible financial, technical and capacity-building contributions ahead of June’s high-level conference.
Co-chairing the Working Group on Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction alongside Egypt, the UK has outlined three core goals. First, it called on delegations to empower the Palestinian Authority to lead the implementation of the Arab Plan, stressing the need for robust enabling elements—such as governance and security arrangements—to ensure that recovery efforts are both sustainable and inclusive.
Second, the UK highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid access has been almost entirely blocked since 2 March and famine looms, according to the latest IPC report of 12 May. Noting that hostages remain in “appalling conditions” the statement reiterated UN appeals for the immediate restoration of humanitarian corridors and praised the UK’s own £135 million funding package for the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.
Third, attention turned to UNRWA, the UN agency providing vital services to Palestinian refugees. Despite UK funding of $55 million in the past financial year, UNRWA faces a staggering $450 million shortfall against its $880 million budget amid what officials describe as the organisation’s greatest crisis ever. The UK urged member states to help secure sustainable contributions to ensure UNRWA can continue life-saving operations.
In closing, the statement underlined that lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians hinges on a viable two-state solution. “We look forward to working with our Egyptian colleagues, the entire UN membership, and colleagues across the UN system to help deliver a conference which moves us towards this goal” Mr Hickey affirmed, setting the stage for what officials hope will be a decisive June gathering.