Tánaiste Simon Harris has announced that Ireland will provide an additional €6 million in humanitarian aid for people in Gaza as UN and humanitarian agencies prepare to scale up relief efforts following the ceasefire. The funding will be distributed among Ireland’s UN partners, with €2 million each going to UNICEF and OCHA, €1 million to the World Food Programme, and €1 million to the World Health Organization.
This contribution increases Ireland’s total support for Palestine since October 2023 to over €89 million, with more than €35 million provided in 2025 alone. Further announcements regarding Ireland’s aid commitments in the region are expected in the coming period.
The Tánaiste highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade on Gaza, describing the conditions as famine and “untold horror” for the people, especially children who have lived their entire lives amid conflict. He emphasized that the ceasefire and hostage release offer a crucial opportunity to deliver life-saving aid, including food, medical care, and other essential support, and called on Israel and the international community to facilitate and strengthen humanitarian access.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond underscored Ireland’s ongoing commitment to ending the war, securing the release of hostages, and ensuring a rapid surge of aid. He stressed the importance of supporting partners on the ground both logistically and financially to deliver urgent relief to those affected by two years of conflict, describing the current moment as one of fragile hope that must be seized.
