The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., today announced €1.5 million in emergency support for people in the Gaza Strip in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Minister Coveney said:“I am deeply concerned by the terrible humanitarian consequences of the ongoing violence in the occupied Palestinian territory. Two million people in Gaza, who were already suffering extreme hardship, including poverty and food insecurity, are now in the midst of another cycle of violence. The impact on the civilian population has been devastating.Today’s announcement of Irish Aid funding will support the UN in delivering emergency humanitarian supplies to those in acute need. The plight of children in this conflict is shameful and our support for UNICEF seeks to alleviate the brutal situation they are facing.“
The Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora Colm Brophy, T.D., added:“Ireland is deeply concerned about the severe humanitarian consequences resulting from the shocking escalation of violence in Gaza. This allocation of €1.5 million is in response to emergency appeals from UNRWA and UNICEF. It will allow UNRWA and UNICEF to carry out vital work in support of vulnerable civilians.“
- €1 million will be provided to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides services to Palestine refugees, for emergency food, water and sanitation supplies and health and psychosocial services for 50,000 people sheltering in UNRWA-run schools.
- UNICEF will receive €500,000 for child protection, medical and sanitation services to thousands of children in acute need. This includes emergency psycho-social services to 5000 children suffering trauma as a result of the hostilities.
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