UK government faces legal challenge over Unrwa defunding 

The British government is facing a legal challenge from a British-Palestinian man whose parents live in northern Gaza, over the UK's ongoing decision to pause funding for Unrwa, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.

On Wednesday, the UK-based Bindmans law firm sent a pre-action letter on his behalf to the Foreign Office, threatening a judicial review if the government does not announce the restoration of Unrwa funding by next Tuesday.

Lawyers representing the man said the UK had failed to provide an adequate explanation as to why it had withdrawn its funds, a move that it said had - along with the withdrawal of support from other countries - a "profound impact" on the agency's capabilities in Gaza.

The parents of the man, whose name has not been released publicly, are completely reliant on Unrwa aid and have reported major shortages of food, water and other essentials. Experts have said a famine may already be happening in north Gaza.

Alice Hardy, a partner at Bindmans working on the case, said the UK government's strategy focuses on providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and working to prevent the worst forms of human suffering.

“Given the catastrophic situation in Gaza, including an impending, man-made famine, the ongoing decision to cease funding to Unrwa is not only morally wrong but flies in the face of that strategy," Hardy said.

"Canada, Sweden, Australia and the EU are satisfied with the measures that have been taken. The immense suffering of the Gazan people makes it imperative to reinstate funding to Unrwa as quickly as possible.”

Middle East Eye has asked the Foreign Office and Department for Business and Trade for comment.