Simon Harris attending Gaza event with Unrwa chief

At an informal dinner in Brussels, delegates will hear from Philippe Lazzarini that Unrwa's funding situation is at a critical point and it is facing into an existential crisis

In Brussels, Mr Harris will highlight the essential need for aid response for the over two million people in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Tánaiste Simon Harris will attend a dinner with the Unrwa Commissioner General and the UN Special Co-ordinator for Gaza in Brussels tonight, Sunday.

At the informal dinner, delegates will hear from Unrwa's Philippe Lazzarini that the agency's funding situation is at a critical point and is now facing into an existential crisis.

Ireland recently pledged €20m in support of Unrwa which is in addition to the €38m provided over 2023 and 2024.

The most recent pledge came as Knesset laws came into effect which prohibits Unrwa from working within Israel's borders and makes it illegal for the agency to have any form of contact with Israeli officials.

At the event tonight, Mr Harris will say that it is Ireland's priority to support Unrwa in its request to the EU to release its 2025 contribution as early as possible.

Mr Lazzarini has warned that the Knesset Bills would only worsen the already catastrophic living conditions of millions of Palestinians.

"The agency's mere presence brings stability amid profound uncertainty," said Mr Lazzarini.

Undermining Unrwa will sabotage Gaza's recovery and any prospects for peace. 

In Brussels, Mr Harris will highlight the essential need for aid response for the over two million people in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

On Sunday, Israeli tanks have moved into the occupied West Bank for the first time since 2002, shortly after the defence minister said troops will remain “for the coming year” in parts of the Palestinian territory.

Associated Press journalists saw a handful of tanks move on Sunday into Jenin, long a bastion of armed struggle against Israel.

Israel is deepening its crackdown on the Palestinian territory and has said it is determined to stamp out militancy amid a rise in attacks.

Mr Harris will reiterate the call for the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.

"It is crucial that all hostages are returned to their families, and that we see a massive scale-up of humanitarian aid into Gaza," Mr Harris said.

We must also remain focused on the situation in the West Bank, the need to respect human rights, international law, and the importance of maintaining the viability of a two-state solution.

On the wider situation in the Middle East, the Tánaiste said: “I look forward to discussing how the EU can continue to support Syria to ensure an inclusive transition that respects human rights, as well as how we can strengthen support for Lebanon and its new government, where the ceasefire remains fragile."