Government announces €500,000 in emergency funding for Gaza

The Government today announced funding of €500,000 for the United Nations’ emergency appeal for families affected by the devastating conflict in Gaza.

The funding will provide urgently-needed food, shelter and healthcare to thousands of families, many of whom have had to flee their homes.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, TD, stated:

“I totally condemn the major escalation in violence and civilian casualties which we are now witnessing on the ground in Gaza and Israel. The Irish Government has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in order to avoid further loss of life and suffering. This is now more imperative than ever in light of the developments over the weekend. The people of Gaza and Israel have the right to live in peace and security and without the threat of indiscriminate violence.

“I am extremely concerned and tomorrow I will meet EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels to discuss the conflict. Ireland is committed to working with our EU and international partners to achieve a diplomatic resolution to this crisis.”

Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North-South Co-operation, Sean Sherlock TD said:

“The assault on Gaza has had a devastating effect on the civilian population. Ireland is providing €500,000 to the United Nation’s Emergency Flash Appeal to meet the urgent need for emergency shelter, food and medical aid. Ireland is also supporting the UN’s Emergency Response Fund in the occupied Palestinian territory which provides support for humanitarian activities at the onset of sudden emergencies.”

“This emergency response to the current crisis is in addition to Ireland’s broader programme of assistance to the Palestinian people, which amounts to over €10 million annually, and includes support to the United Relief and Works Agency’s general fund, the Palestinian Authority and civil society organisations.”