Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has consistently called for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Under international humanitarian law, Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and ensure that the essential needs of the population are met.

We remain extremely concerned at the near collapse of the health system in Gaza, rapidly worsening malnutrition, and the increase in diseases among children in particular. Since the start of the conflict, 31 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed and other hospitals are operating under severe limitations. Since October 2023, the WHO has recorded 890 attacks on health facilities in the Occupied Territory, 443 in Gaza, and 447 in the West Bank.

We strongly condemn attacks on health infrastructure. Healthcare facilities like the field hospitals at Al Mawasi enjoy specific protections under international humanitarian law and must be allowed to operate efficiently and in safety. We continue to call for all parties to the conflict to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law and for full, safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population.

The Government's response to the crisis in Gaza has included significant humanitarian funding and the provision of in-kind assistance. We have provided €40 million in humanitarian assistance since last October. This includes €20 million for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in February. UNRWA's work underpins all humanitarian operations in Gaza. Before the conflict, it provided up to 80% of health services in Gaza, and it continues to provide critical health services. Ireland has also provided direct funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Palestinian Red Crescent society, which plays a critical role in supporting field hospitals.

Under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative, family tents and tarpaulins worth €550,000 have been distributed in Rafah. Ireland has also provided pallets of medical blood bags through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) in response to a request from the Egyptian health authorities.

We continue to urge Israel and Hamas to implement the three-phase ceasefire proposal outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council. It is vital that all parties work towards reviving a political process that can provide a lasting and sustainable peace, based on the two-State solution.