International Development Committee to examine humanitarian situation in Gaza
As Israel’s offensive in Gaza continues, the reality of the humanitarian situation on the ground is changing every day. And as the UK Government and its partners work with NGOs to provide vital assistance to people in Gaza, expert observers suggest the situation is getting worse.
As of 9 November, more than 10,000 Palestinians have died, including more than 4,000 children, and 1.6 million people are internally displaced within the Gaza Strip, according to figures reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, drawing on data from Palestinian authorities. The World Food Programme estimates that more than 1.6 million people in Gaza are in critical need of aid.
Meeting details
In this one-off session, MPs on the International Development Committee will hear evidence from a range of organisations working on the frontline. MPs will consider the impact the conflict has had on the humanitarian situation within Gaza, how witnesses’ organisations have been able to respond, and what challenges face the delivery of aid. They may also ask how the crisis is affecting certain vulnerable groups in particular, such as women, children, the elderly and the disabled.
MPs are also likely to ask how effective the UK response has been, how the UK can most helpfully respond to the humanitarian situation, and how it can encourage greater international cooperation.