Ireland to give $21m to Unrwa

The Republic of Ireland announced $21.5m in support for the UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa).

"In Gaza, we are bearing witness to a humanitarian catastrophe. People are in dire need of the most basic lifesaving provisions – food, water, shelter," said Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.

"In these most harrowing conditions, facing the prospect of further military escalation, Unrwa is the backbone of the humanitarian response. It urgently needs support from all UN member states," Martin said during a visit to Dublin by Unrwa Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

"I urge other donors to resume and expand support to Unrwa so that it can deliver for the millions of Palestinian refugees in need," he added.