The British government has committed 88 million pounds, just over 102 million euros, to help Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, where hospitals are running short of supplies and water is scarce. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the package at the United Nations General Assembly as violence increases and basic services deteriorate.
Miliband spoke bluntly. “It is critical that the civilians in Gaza have unrestricted access to humanitarian aid.” He called on Israel to lift what he described as “unacceptable restrictions” blocking aid from reaching Gaza. The UK says the new funding targets "urgent needs" and aims to keep humanitarian access open. The World Health Organization has backed this approach.
The money will fund practical support. The UK plans to provide up to 900,000 Palestinians with medical consultations at health centers it backs. The package also covers rehabilitation and prosthetic care for 1,000 children hurt by explosions. Emergency water deliveries will reach 150,000 people, while mental health support will go to 21,000. The UK government estimates that its aid will provide solid waste management services for up to 900,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank. Reuters and the UK government confirm these figures as the direct impact of the new aid.
Water and sanitation are basic to the plan. Hygiene is part of the effort, too. Infrastructure is in ruins, and the risk of disease is rising. The UK’s pledge to deliver water and manage waste is intended to support people cut off from safe supplies. Mental health care is also a focus, particularly for children affected by the violence. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, the World Health Organization stressed the need for fast, unhindered access to medical supplies and health workers in Gaza.
The UN General Assembly met in New York, where the UK joined Jordan in pressing for more international support for Gaza. Qatar also backed the push. Their goal is to break the deadlock on aid and speed up recovery. The same pattern has played out in other crises, as reported earlier by this publication.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says the UK’s humanitarian and early recovery support for Palestinians in the current financial year exceeds £88 million. The official ODA budget for Palestine is set at £127 million for 2026/27.
London is demanding that Israel cooperate so relief can reach those who need it. Whether the funding brings real change depends on all sides putting humanitarian needs first. The crisis in Gaza and the West Bank continues.
