Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
167. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on whether Irish provided aid is being permitted to enter Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15499/25]
View answerSince October 2023, Ireland has provided over €72 million in support to the Palestinian people, together with 116 tonnes of relief supplies for people in Gaza.
On 2 March the Israeli authorities announced a halt to humanitarian aid entering Gaza. No assistance has been allowed in since then. Aid provided by Ireland is impeded by the same restrictions affecting all humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Government continues to call on Israel to facilitate the immediate, full resumption of rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza.
We have condemned the resumed Israeli airstrikes and ground operation which are bringing fresh suffering to civilians in Gaza. We urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. All commitments should be implemented in full.The scale of humanitarian need is enormous, and has been accentuated by interruptions in the flow of aid and the wider disruption caused by the conflict.
The most efficient way to support the people of Gaza has been through UNRWA which has been the backbone of the humanitarian response in the Occupied Territory. Ireland has provided €20 million in core support to UNRWA this year which brings our support to €58 million since 2023. Despite the blockade, UNRWA continues to deliver assistance in accordance with its mandate, including psychological support to over 300,000 children, as well as other health and education interventions. Ireland’s support to the UN pooled fund of the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Gaza has also ensured that some aid has reached those in need.
Ireland’s engagement on Palestine is guided by the need for respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and unwavering support for the two-State solution. Across all our bilateral and multilateral engagement, Ireland has consistently underlined the need for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law.
