TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has announced €20 million funding from Ireland to support the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), to help with its work in assisting people impacted by the war in Gaza. 

War has been raging in Gaza since October 2023. At least 47,540 people have been killed and more than 111,000 injured, the majority of whom were women and children, a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs said. 

Ireland has provided over €63 million in support of the Palestinian people since the beginning of 2023. Of this, more than €51 million has been provided in assistance since October 2023. 

The Tánaiste, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that the ceasefire and hostage release deal “offers a moment of hope for Palestinians and Israelis”. 

Harris added that today’s funding announcement “underscores Ireland’s commitment to ensuring that there is a significant and meaningful surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza at this critical time.

“There is no replacement for the work of UNRWA and it is vital that it is supported.”

Harris detailed the importance of the organisation’s work, which delivered more than 60% of the supplies that entered Gaza in the first days the ceasefire. 

“I am gravely concerned about Israeli legislation on UNRWA which entered into force on January 30,” Harris said.

On January 30, the Israeli ban on UNRWA came into effect with potentially far-reaching consequences for UNRWA’s operations.

UNRWA has been ordered to suspend operations in Israel and shutter its offices in East Jerusalem, which will place severe restrictions on its ability to operate in Israeli-occupied Palestine.

“I urge Israel to reconsider these measures and encourage other Governments to support UNRWA with funding at this most critical time so that it can deliver for the millions of Palestinian refugees in need,” Harris said.

Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, said that the funding will provide “vital humanitarian relief to Gaza at this critical time”.

“UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, providing food and lifesaving services to one million people since the ceasefire.”