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The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, has announced €2 million in emergency funding to support the World Food Programme (WFP) in delivering vital food aid to Gaza, where famine looms and humanitarian access remains severely restricted.
The WFP recently delivered 4,000 tonnes of food despite immense logistical barriers; however, 62,000 tonnes are needed each month. “Children are starving in what is a catastrophic situation on the ground,” Harris stated. “We call on Israel to remove transport restrictions to enable the full delivery of life-saving aid.”
Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, affirmed Ireland’s support: “The WFP is best placed to deliver aid at scale, and this funding is essential to avert famine.”
Ireland Endorses “New York Call” for Peace
In parallel, Tánaiste Harris confirmed Ireland’s endorsement of a joint statement issued by 15 Foreign Ministers at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, held this week in New York.
The joint communiqué calls for:
- An immediate ceasefire and release of Hamas-held hostages
- Unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza
- Full implementation of a two-State solution under international law
- Reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority
Minister of State Emer Higgins represented Ireland at the Conference, describing it as “a decisive moment for the international community to chart a political path to peace.”
The statement also acknowledges reforms announced by the Palestinian Authority and urges global recognition of the State of Palestine as a step toward durable peace.
Ireland remains committed to supporting humanitarian efforts and advancing diplomacy for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
