Labour MP for Hammersmith, Andy Slaughter, has called for Palestinian refugees fleeing the conflict in Gaza to receive the same level of visa support in the UK as Ukrainian refugees currently do. Highlighting the importance of allowing Palestinians to reunite with relatives or find refuge with host families in the UK, Slaughter’s appeal reflects growing concern over the situation in Gaza. This initiative has gained significant public support, evidenced by a petition with over 38,000 signatures advocating for such visa provisions for Palestinian families.

In related discussions, Labour MP Afzal Khan has urged the UK government to increase its contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to address the critical needs of Palestinian refugees. Khan highlighted the severe conditions in Gaza, including famine and violence, underscoring an urgent need for expanded assistance.

Simultaneously, the validity and neutrality of UNRWA’s operations in Gaza have come under scrutiny. Israeli diplomats have pre-emptively criticised the findings of two inquiries into UNRWA, alleging that 12 of its staff members in Gaza were involved in a Hamas attack in October – charges that UNRWA denies due to a lack of solid evidence. The UN has initiated reviews of these allegations and the operational integrity of UNRWA, led by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. Despite criticisms from Israeli officials regarding the scope of these investigations, the UN aims to make recommendations to enhance UNRWA’s operations amid concerns over potential Hamas infiltration.

This scrutiny occurs amid warnings from the World Bank about a looming famine in Gaza, which could affect half its population. Some donors have paused their funding to UNRWA amidst these allegations, though the US has highlighted the agency’s critical role in providing aid. The ongoing debate encompasses broader issues of humanitarian aid, refugee support, and the integrity of international relief operations, underscoring the complexity of responding to the crisis in Gaza.