Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell TD today announced a strengthened programme of assistance to Palestine which covers immediate emergency and humanitarian needs and recovery aid. This new assistance to Palestine will bring to over 5 million the amount allocated by the Government to Palestine in 2002.
"The scenes of devastation which we are witnessing and the humanitarian crisis which is resulting must be responded to immediately, if more lives are not to be lost. We have a moral and humanitarian obligation to assist the most vulnerable sections of the Palestinian population who are struggling to survive without the basic necessities of life" said O'Donnell.
The Minister announced an immediate additional 1 million which will be channeled through those agencies already on the ground and capable of delivering aid rapidly and effectively. This is in addition to 700,000 made available by the Minister in recent weeks to address emergency shelter and primary health needs.
"Humanitarian access is absolutely essential if lives are to be saved" added O'Donnell.
The Ireland Aid programme in Palestine has focused on assisting the Palestinian Authority in the areas of health, education, agriculture and micro-finance. In addition Ireland Aid has funded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) in its reconstruction and emergency activities.
"Our commitment to the Palestinian people is long term and our efforts to date have targeted basic needs, while building the capacity of individuals and institutions for the future. Many of the development gains to date have been put in very grave jeopardy by the destruction wrought on the infrastructure of the Palestinian people. We will now concentrate on emergency operations to protect the most vulnerable" said the Minister.
Minister of State O'Donnell reaffirmed that Ireland Aid will resume planning for a new Country Strategy for Palestine as soon as circumstances permit.
"As soon as circumstances allow we will return to our key objective of assisting the Palestinian people with their development goals. A new programme of assistance will be put in place as soon as feasible" stated the Minister.