Ging praises Martin’s ‘political courage’ in visiting Gaza

IRISHMAN and UN relief chief John Ging yesterday praised Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin for his “political courage” in visiting Gaza as €12 million in Irish aid was confirmed for Palestinian refugees.

Minister Martin said Israel’s blockade of Gaza was “choking” Palestinians and fuelling a black economy which was strengthening militant rulers Hamas.

During his first visit to the territory, Mr Martin travelled the breadth of the enclosed enclave, visiting schools, areas destroyed by Israeli military, as well as aid projects.