Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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186. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that are being put in place to assist with an urgent matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31536/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship, the Madleen, was intercepted by Israeli authorities in the early hours of 10 June while trying to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The peaceful efforts of those on board reflect an understandable desire by many people around the world to urgently address the vast humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.

There needs to be an immediate resumption of humanitarian access to the people of Gaza, and at scale, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel. This is not only an obligation under international humanitarian law but a moral imperative.

Ireland has consistently called on Israel to lift its blockade and allow unimpeded access of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. The UN and humanitarian organisations must be allowed to work independently and do their job.

Ireland has provided over €88 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. So far in 2025, we have provided €21.9 million, including €20 million in core funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in February. This brought Ireland’s support to UNRWA to €58 million since the beginning of 2023. We have also been providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza through other agencies including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Society. Ireland’s support also includes the delivery in 2023 and 2024 of over 116 tonnes of relief supplies through our rapid response initiative.

Compliance with international law is central to Ireland’s approach on the Middle East. Ireland has both bilaterally and at multilateral level, repeatedly called on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including international humanitarian law.