The anger and heartbreak we all feel is reflected in the work of the Irish Government.
Like many, I and the Government am devastated and disgusted by the lack of global agreement and action. I cannot comprehend how, after seeing the same images and hearing the same stories, some powerful countries still refuse to take steps to make Israel stop this genocide.
On Monday the Irish government and 26 other governments including 19 EU states issued a statement say that the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.
The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity.
The Irish government has called on Israel to immediately lift its blockade, and allow the full resumption of unimpeded humanitarian aid, in line with humanitarian principles.
We urge Israel to immediately implement commitments made to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on the resumption of aid to Gaza.
We share UN grave reservations that the ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’, is not operating in accordance with humanitarian principles. Hundreds of people have been killed while trying to collect food.
Ireland has provided over €91 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. This includes €58 million to UNRWA of which €20 million was provided in February 2025. Over €79 million of Ireland’s support has been provided since October 2023.
Over €25 million has been provided so far in 2025 for the people of Palestine and payments totalling €1 million will be made in the coming weeks.
We are concerned about the implementation of Israeli legislation and its far-reaching consequences for UNRWA’s operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza.
UNRWA has a mandate from the UN General Assembly. The work of the Agency is essential and irreplaceable for millions of Palestinian refugees in the region, and particularly in the current context in Gaza.
UNRWA is in an untenable financing situation. We welcome the EU’s June 25 payment of €52 million to UNRWA and encourage the rapid disbursement of the balance €30 million for 2025.
Ireland welcomes the European Commission’s recent commitment of €1.6 billion in support of Palestine 2025-2027, the payment of €150 million in support of services by the Palestinian Authority and €52 million paid to UNRWA.
We all hope and pray that those countries with influence over Israel will listen to leaders like An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who has been front and centre since the beginning of this horrific war, consistently calling for peace and accountability.
We are simply asking for the cruelty and killing to stop.
ENDS
