Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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A public health disaster has been unfolding in Gaza in recent months. In addition to mass displacement of 85% of the population of Gaza, the World Health Organisation has confirmed that the healthcare system has largely collapsed as a result of the conflict.

As of 30 January, the WHO estimate that just 13 of 36 hospitals in Gaza were partially functioning. As of 31 January, just 4 of UNRWA’s 22 health centres were operational.

Health facilities are also facing acute shortages of supplies. This includes insulin, anaesthetics, antibiotics, and other medical supplies. It also includes the very basics - water, food, fuel, and electricity. Without power, medical equipment dependent on electricity cannot function.

This dire public health situation underlines the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which Ireland has consistently called for. It also underlines the need for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access into Gaza. The amount of assistance entering the strip has increased in recent weeks but remains completely inadequate. There is an urgent need for fuel, water, food and other humanitarian supplies, including medical supplies such as insulin and other medical supplies, to reach those in dire need. Such supplies should not be subject to restriction.

Ireland’s support to the people of Palestine, including development funding and the response to the war in Gaza amounted to €36 million in 2023. This included €18 million to UNRWA and €4.75 million to the UN OCHA Palestine Humanitarian Fund, which channels resources to key humanitarian partners on the ground, based on needs, and is active in life-saving sectors including health, shelter, food security and protection. I will be meeting the UNRWA Commissioner General, Philippe Lazzarini, in Dublin this week and will be discussing with him how Ireland can continue to support UNRWA's essential work.