Micheál Martin: Freezing funds for UN aid to Palestinian refugees would be 'catastrophic'

Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheál Martin said countries withdrawing funding from UNRWA 'acted far too prematurely'. File picture

Freezing funding to the United Nations aid agency for Palestinian refugees would be “catastrophic” for the people trapped in Gaza “in the midst of the most terrible conflict,” the Tánaiste has said.

Micheál Martin said he was “very concerned” after multiple countries, including the US, Germany, the UK, Holland, Australia, and Canada pulled funding from United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which is the only major NGO operating in war torn Gaza.

Funding was paused after Israel accused some 12 UNRWA employees of participating in the October 7 attacks led by Hamas which killed 1,140 people in Israel. On Friday, the UN said it had fired the accused workers and was investigating.

But any cut to funding now could further worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“I think the countries acted far too prematurely,” Mr Martin said.

“I think Philippe Lazzarini [UNRWA Commissioner-General] is a very reputable and solid administrator.

“Ireland is a strong contributor to UNRWA.

The bottom line is that without UNRWA, the humanitarian situation will become even more catastrophic in Gaza and in the West Bank.

“And don't forget that UNRWA also supports millions of refugees in Jordan and elsewhere.

“So that's the context and people have to put this in perspective in terms of the allegations against a number of workers on the ground."

To pull out entirely “would be catastrophic” in the midst of a terrible conflict, he said.

“The most pressing need in Gaza is to end the conflict. We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

“It is terrible what is going on. The huge numbers of children losing their lives, of innocent civilians, it is not tenable or sustainable any longer.” 

Mr Martin said that UNRWA must adhere to rules and standards and make sure that no members or workers engage in any heinous crimes.

“But that doesn't mean you collectively punish the entire population by withdrawing all the funding that UNRWA needs for education, for health services, for food.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence was speaking in Cork at the the European Selection Convention for MEP Billy Kelleher.

With Cork providing this year’s Eurovision contestant – Bambie Thug, the non-binary star from Macroom - Mr Martin was asked if Ireland would boycott the Eurovision if Israel competes.

“I'm focused on the political side of this,” Mr Martin said.

“I'm focused on trying to use any influence we have with like-minded countries in Europe to get this terrible war ended.

“I haven't given too much thought to it [the Eurovision] I hope Bambie doesn't mind.”