TANAISTE Simon Harris has announced a €4million funding package for Palestinian children during what he has called a “window of hope”.
The package includes €3million for children’s education, €700,000 to human rights organisations and €300,000 to support services and vulnerable families.
The Tanaiste speaking earlier today, said: “The funding I am announcing today will help deliver access to education at a time when so many children’s lives are being destroyed by this catastrophic war.”
Harris said this announcement brings Ireland’s support of the Palestinian people to €26million this year and to almost €80million since October 2023.
This package comes following warnings by the Tanaiste that the next few days represent a “window of hope for delivering a ceasefire”.
Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, welcomed the news.
He said: “Ireland is supporting Palestinian and Israeli organisations to defend human rights at a time when they are under immense pressure.”
The funds will be used to train teachers, provide school materials and rebuild schools that have been damaged or destroyed.
During the announcement, Tanaiste Harris reiterated Ireland’s support of the Palestinian people.
He said: “Our support for schools is a critical part of Ireland’s longstanding partnership with Palestine. In Gaza, our ongoing support for UNRWA continues to deliver vital remote learning to almost 300,000 children living in a war zone.
“Since Israel launched a military operation in the West Bank in January, more than 40,000 people have been displaced. It is vital that the international community maintains its focus on the violence and displacement occurring in the West Bank.”
Hopeful regarding future peace talks, he added: “I welcome the indications of potential peace-talks, which I discussed at length this week with the Prime Minister of Qatar, who was is playing a leading role in the ceasefire efforts.
“It is vital now that all parties do everything they can to find a way forward and put these peace-talks on a formal footing.”
