The head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has welcomed the new British government’s decision to restore funding as a “testament to the lifesaving and human development work of our teams”.

Philippe Lazzarini said that the agency is fully committed to implement recommendations by an independent report to increase its transparency and accountability and further ensure neutrality.

“This announcement comes at a critical time as the agency continues to come under harsh and unprecedented attacks,” he said.