The Foreign Secretary delivered a briefing to Parliament on 5 January 2026, summarising recent developments in the Middle East. He warned that Gaza remains in a desperate humanitarian situation, with half a million people still struggling for food and 100,000 in catastrophic conditions, and noted that key crossings are closed and NGOs banned. He confirmed that the UK is providing £116 million in humanitarian aid, including support for 800,000 Palestinians. He updated the House on Iran, where protests have continued for nine days, and on the case of British citizen Alaa Abd El‑Fattah, whose release followed a review of due‑diligence procedures. He also reported on Yemen, where 18.1 million people face food insecurity, and on Syria, where the UK remains a partner in the Global Coalition against Daesh. The Minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to humanitarian access and peace‑building in the region.
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https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/minister-for-the-middle-east-statement-regional-update
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