Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very clear that the Seanad is calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and for the unconditional release of hostages. The Minister of State is here and the Tánaiste spoke earlier. All the contributions we have heard have been shocking. It is hard to take in the scale of the absolute disaster unfolding before us. It is very clear that the funding for UNRWA is crucial. The €20 million that has been allocated directly from the Government to that agency is crucial. The Government will continue to work within the EU to ensure that the EU is also allocating funding to UNRWA.

Last week. Josep Borrell confirmed that that agency is supporting nearly 2 million people in Gaza alone. The scale of the support that has been offered in a humanitarian disaster, when people who are going in as emergency responders are also under attack, is absolutely incredible. I very much appreciate that immediate action was taken in respect of those staff. Of course, that is how that should have happened. However, such is the level of support required here that it deserves huge focus by our Government and by our Government working within the EU and at an international level.

A humanitarian ceasefire is required immediately in order for people, including children, to survive. The Tánaiste mentioned that 17,000 children who are left with no families have a new acronym. The funding for UNRWA is crucial in the time ahead when it will be needed more than ever. I appreciate the efforts made on our behalf by the Tánaiste and Department of Foreign Affairs officials who are doing excellent work on this but we need to see action. The Government needs to work with the US to come up with a resolution that will work at the UN. That involves the Government using its voice with the US to ensure that comes to pass.