Ireland on Thursday announced 20 million euros ($21.46 million) to support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Reuters reports.
Ireland also called on countries that have suspended funding to resume and expand support for the agency.
UNRWA, which provides health, education and other services, has been in crisis after Israel alleged that 12 of its 13,000 staff in Gaza were involved in the 7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered the war between Israel and Hamas.
As a result of the allegations, a number of countries have suspended funding, including the US, the largest donor. Dublin has given 18 million euros directly to UNRWA in 2023, part of the 36 million euros given to the Palestinian people. Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin said in a statement after meeting UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini in Dublin:
I urge other donors to resume and expand support to UNRWA so that it can deliver for the millions of Palestinian refugees in need.
Ireland has long championed Palestinian rights and its announcement follows Spain’s pledge last week to send an additional 3.5 million euros in aid to UNRWA, as well as Portugal’s announcement of an additional million euros.
