Tánaiste urges US to continue funding UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees

The Tánaiste said Ireland needed to be 'persuasive' in its dialogue on the need for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid 'at scale' in Gaza

Kicking off a four-day trip to the US, Micheál Martin met with US politicians including Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and leader of the Friends of Ireland caucus Congressman Richard Neal.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin pressed US politicians and Biden administration officials on the need to continue funding a vital United Nations agency on Tuesday, as the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip worsens.

Kicking off a four-day trip to the US, Mr Martin met with US politicians including Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and leader of the Friends of Ireland caucus Congressman Richard Neal as part of a string of engagements in the American capital.

Developments in Northern Ireland and the need to continue support for Ukraine also featured heavily, along with Ireland’s views on the Middle East and the funding for United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Mr Martin said the discussions would be “challenging” given the diversity of views on the Israel-Palestinian situation and Ireland was under “no illusions” in this regard.

He said: “But most people who were familiar with the on-the-ground situation in Gaza, and indeed in the West Bank and Jordan, are under no illusions that the only effective mechanism to deliver aid at the scale that is required is through UNWRA in terms of food and in terms of education and health services.” 

Last week, the European Commission said it will "review" its support to UNRWA, following allegations several of its staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. Following the accusations, the British and US were among those who decided to suspend financing of UNRWA.

“I think our challenge is to bring the European perspective or bring the Irish perspective as well and our sense of the realities on the ground,” Mr Martin said.

“I’ve met with UNRWA. I’ve met with [UNRWA commissioner general] Philippe Lazzarini on a number of occasions. It is a very large organization. I welcome the appointment of an independent review, outside of the UN, of UNRWA because I think that will give confidence to donors.” 

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The Tánaiste said Ireland needed to make the “more effective argument” and be “persuasive” in its dialogue on the need for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid “at scale” in the region. He added that he welcomed the “strong signals” from the White House that they favoured a two-State solution for Israel-Palestine, which Ireland has long supported.

Mr Martin also met with Senators Chris Murphy and Jon Ossoff, as well as representatives Brendan Boyle and Katherine Clark along with the Friends of Ireland Caucus.

Given the recent restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Martin said: “The importance now is that the Good Friday Agreement, through all strands, is implemented fully and energetically.” 

In terms of Ukraine, the Tánaiste said the recent “breakthrough” in funding for Ukraine at EU level was also emphasised.

“And the necessity for the United States and Europe to really ensure that we're there for the long haul in our support of Ukraine, sending very strong signals to Russia in that respect,” he added.