Michael D Higgins calls for renewed support to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Gaza
Irish President Michael D. Higgins has urged countries, including the UK and Germany, to reconsider their decision to withdraw funding from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), emphasising that halting the aid could lead to catastrophic consequences in Gaza.
Several nations froze their financial contributions to the agency following allegations that some of its staff were involved in the Hamas attacks on October 7. UNRWA, which employs 13,000 staff in Gaza and helps educate 30,000 children, plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to the region.
In a statement released on Monday, President Higgins called on these countries to rethink their actions, stressing that the decision to halt aid would worsen the already dire situation. He highlighted that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza could be alleviated if there was genuine political will to ensure that essential aid reaches those in need.
Higgins referred to the words of UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, who described the situation in Gaza as a man-made disaster and stressed the importance of continued humanitarian support to avoid famine. Ireland, he noted, has led the way in providing increased aid to the agency, a move that reflects the country’s history of supporting international humanitarian efforts.
The president also reiterated Ireland’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, urging the international community to act swiftly to prevent further suffering. He expressed concern over the insufficient level of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warning that a full-scale Israeli offensive would “put the final nail in the coffin” of the aid programs.
Higgins criticised the countries that have withdrawn funding, questioning how they can stand by as children and infants in Gaza face life-threatening conditions. He shared his personal experience of visiting Gaza, recalling how bakeries and shelters were once vital lifelines for the people. Today, he said, many of these vital facilities have been destroyed, leaving children without the food and water they desperately need.
The Irish president also pointed out that weakening UNRWA not only harms Gaza but also undermines the broader United Nations efforts to address international humanitarian needs.
