London: The UK will provide £10 million ($12 million) to support early recovery efforts in Gaza and join a new EU-led international initiative aimed at coordinating funding and practical assistance as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calls for renewed momentum behind the international 20-point Gaza peace plan.
According to Anadolu Agency, the government announced that this funding would be allocated to the UN Horizon Fund, supporting a Palestinian-led, UN-coordinated approach to early recovery. The program will focus on essential areas such as water and sanitation, healthcare, education, housing, debris clearance, and reducing risks posed by unexploded ordnance.
The UK will also participate in the EU-led Team Gaza Initiative, which is a coalition of European and international partners designed to mobilize political support, funding, and practical assistance for Gaza's recovery. The initiative aims to support a package valued at £750 million.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that the plan risks being "completely de-railed" unless Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid and essential services are urgently lifted and greater international support is mobilized. According to the government, despite increased aid entering Gaza since the ceasefire, it remains insufficient for current needs.
The government stated that food shortages persist, around 1.7 million people are living in overcrowded displacement sites, and there are no fully functioning hospitals in the territory. Cooper emphasized the need for Palestinians in Gaza to rebuild their lives and communities, noting the devastating scale of destruction and the slow pace of support despite promises made in the peace plan.
Cooper is also scheduled to meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss support for Palestinian institutions, Gaza's early recovery, and continued international coordination. The UK remains committed to supporting Palestinian-led reconstruction and a two-state solution alongside efforts to strengthen Palestinian institutions and advance the peace plan.
Last Thursday, incoming UK Prime Minister Burnham apologized for Labour's initial response to Israel's war on Gaza, promising a tougher approach towards the Israeli government when he assumes office. Speaking to The Guardian, Burnham acknowledged concerns over Labour's handling of the Gaza conflict and stressed the need for improvement.
Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025, the Israeli army has killed at least 1,098 Palestinians and injured 3,535 others, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Israeli army has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians and injured over 173,000 others since October 2023 in a deadly offensive that has caused widespread destruction, affecting about 90% of civilian infrastructure.