UK Statement – ILO programme of development cooperation for the occupied Arab territories
UK Statement for the International Labour Organization's programme of development cooperation for the occupied Arab territories. Delivered at the ILO's 355th Governing Body.
The UK thanks the Office for the report on the progress made within the framework of the ILO programme of development cooperation in Palestine. We commend and support the way forward described. We note that future budgetary contributions have yet to be determined and will be voluntary.
The Palestinian labour market picture detailed in the report is harrowing. The collapse in employment has been calamitous. The effect on families dire. There is a risk of the severest consequences: a lost generation without employment, training or economic opportunity.
We share the view of many others: that a collapsed Palestinian economy is in no-one’s interest. We therefore call on Israel to release withheld clearance revenues; to commit to continued correspondent banking relationships with Palestinian counterparts; to accept increased Shekel transfers; to remove movement restrictions on people, goods and currency; and to renew work permits for 200,000 West Bank Palestinians working in Israel.
Settler violence must stop.
In these challenging circumstances, we thank the Office for its commitment and expertise. The programme must continue to reflect the needs of Palestinians and their aspirations for economic development.
The UK government continues to provide technical and financial support to the Palestinian Authority as it delivers reforms and builds a viable and effective State of Palestine. In July, we announced £7 million in technical support to strengthen governance, accountability and civic space in Palestine. UK Envoy for Palestinian Authority Governance, Sir Michael Barber, is supporting the PA to build their delivery and governance capabilities and progress their vital reform agenda.
The humanitarian situation, meanwhile, remains desperate. We need urgent action to open all the crossings, lift restrictions and flood Gaza with aid.
The UK continues to work tirelessly for a just and lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, based on a two-state solution. Hamas must release all the hostages. The international community has now come together to support President Trump’s ceasefire agreement for Gaza; now we need to work together to take forward the 20-point plan and turn it into a just and lasting peace. Critically, Palestinians must be involved in reconstruction and economic recovery planning. Without which, no plan will meet our shared goals of peace and prosperity for all in the region.
Thank you.