UK minister announces £6M Gaza aid, £14M for Syrian refugees during Jordan visit

AMMAN — The UK International Development Minister Annaliese Dodds began a two-day visit to Jordan on Wednesday meant to strengthen cooperation between the two countries through meetings with key Jordanian officials.

During her visit, Dodds is expected to announce a £6 million aid package to support UNICEF's efforts in Gaza. 

According to a press release from the British embassy in Amman, this funding will help tens of thousands of Gazans access essential services such as food, water, health and education.

Dodds will also visit a World Food Programme warehouse, which is central to the delivery of aid to Gaza, and meet with key charity partners to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground.

In addition to the Gaza aid package, the UK announced a £14 million funding initiative to support Syrian refugees in the Zaatari camp in Jordan. This funding, to be released in September, includes £7 million for the UN Refugee Agency and £7 million for the World Food Programme.

During her meeting with Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Majed Qatarneh, the discussions focused on the critical escalation in the region and efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. 

They also underlined the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in the field of development.

The Syrian refugee crisis was also discussed, with Dodds praising Jordan's efforts in hosting Syrian refugees and providing them with essential services.