Ireland increases UNRWA funding as US, Israel cut ties with UN agency

Ireland has announced an additional $20.7 million in funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reinforcing its commitment to humanitarian aid as the US and Israel sever ties with the agency

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris emphasized the importance of ensuring “a significant and meaningful surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza at this critical time,” as UNRWA continues to provide assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and refugee communities across the Middle East.

Harris welcomed the recent hostage release and ceasefire agreement in Gaza, stressing that it must be “fully implemented in all its phases.” He also expressed deep concern over Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, which took effect on January 30. The law, passed last October, prohibits Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency and seeks to end its operations in Israel and occupied Palestinian territories. Harris urged Israel to reconsider these measures, stating that “there is no replacement for the work of UNRWA, and it is vital that it is supported.”

Ireland has contributed over $65.4 million in aid to Palestinians since the beginning of 2023, maintaining strong support for UNRWA even as the US withdraws. The latest aid package follows President Donald Trump’s decision to pull Washington out of the UN Human Rights Council and extend a funding ban on UNRWA. Israel followed suit on Wednesday, announcing its withdrawal from the Council.