Overview
- The funding will support UNMAS operations to remove an estimated 7,500 tonnes of unexploded ordnance blocking aid routes in Gaza.
- Officials say the money will help surge in explosive ordnance experts, equipment and risk education to clear land mines, cluster munitions and other bombs.
- Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met British deminers at HALO in Wilton and is set to travel to the Middle East to press for increased humanitarian access.
- The Foreign Office describes clearance work as essential to moving from the ceasefire to phase two of the US peace plan, with UNMAS calling the UK support an essential boost.
- HALO and MAG account for 69% of global civilian mine clearance capacity with UNMAS leadership, and the UK says the contribution comes from a £116 million aid allocation for the Palestinian Territories this financial year.