8. Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to tackle poverty among Palestinians. [6119]
§ Clare ShortPoverty among the Palestinian people has deepened greatly during the last year when closures of the West Bank and Gaza have become more frequent and severe. The key to tackling poverty is to find a just and lasting solution to peace in the Middle East. The Government are working to try to establish practical steps forward.
Since 1994 we have provided technical assistance to the Palestinian Authority to help prepare for Palestinian statehood.
To help cope with the current crises we have increased our contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees. We have recently committed £6 million to support emergency assistance to deal with the current crises.