Written answer
Foreign Conflicts
Three Irish-funded mobile maternity clinics remain in Cairo awaiting permission to enter Gaza, while Ireland presses for access and continues substantial humanitarian assistance.
15. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the mobile maternity unit fundraised for by an organisation (details supplied). [69230/26]
Comment on this
The situation in Palestine remains a key priority during our EU Presidency, and the Government is working to ensure that focus is maintained on the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. The situation in Gaza was discussed at an Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Wicklow on 1-2 September, hosted by Minister McEntee.
Our Embassy in Cairo met Medics World Wide in April this year to discuss the delivery of assistance to Gaza, including elements funded through Irish donations. A number of mobile maternity clinics are currently located in that organisation's warehouse as they await permission from the relevant authorities for their transfer to partners in Gaza. Three of those mobile maternity clinics were purchased with funds raised by Gaeil ar son Gaza. The Embassy in Cairo is in touch with the organisation on an ongoing basis, including as recently as last week, and is providing all assistance possible in the current difficult circumstances.
The primary difficulties are those associated with broader restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on all goods seeking to enter Gaza. At present only two crossings into Gaza are in use, but with significant restrictions. The Kerem Shalom crossing is open for limited entry of approved cargo while Rafah, which is the crossing from Egypt, is open only for the limited movement of people.
There is an urgent need for further humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The Government has made it clear that Israel must immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip.
Ireland has provided over €134 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. This includes €78 million to UNRWA, with Ireland’s 2026 commitment of €20 million in core funding provided by June this year. Our total assistance for the Palestinian people will be over €42 million this year, of which over €31 million has been provided to date.