MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds, has pledged new UK aid and met Jordanian Ministers in her first official visit to the Middle East as International Development Minister.

Amid the threat of growing instability in the wider region, Gazans continue to face a devastating humanitarian crisis.

During her visit to Jordan, Ms Dodds announced £6 million in funding for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza.

The £6 million package will help tens of thousands of Gazans access food and water, as well as health, education and wellbeing services.

She visited a World Food Programme depot, which plays a key role in the delivery of aid to Gaza.

Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:

“We are seeing the humanitarian impact of conflict on Gazans. This new UK support will provide a lifeline for vulnerable families, giving them access to basic food and water during a desperate time. I am grateful to the Jordanian Government for supporting UK efforts to get aid to those in such desperate need.

But this appalling situation cannot continue. We must see an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and unfettered access to lifesaving aid for those in Gaza.

UK funding will support the vaccination and immunisation of over 20,000 children, provide over 8,000 school-aged children with recreational activities to boost their wellbeing and help over 55,000 people in Gaza access clean water and sanitation.”

This week, the UK also announced it is allocating £14 million to support Syrian refugees currently living in the Zaatari refugee camp on the Jordan-Syria border. Jordan is currently home to over 3 million refugees, many of them from neighbouring Syria.

During her visit the minister met Jordanian Minister of Finance, Mohamad Al Ississ, and the foreign ministry’s Secretary General, Majid Al-Qatarneh.