The Tánaiste has pledged to demonstrate his “clear and unwavering support” for the work of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees during his visit to the Rafah Crossing this week.
Micheál Martin will meet UNRWA representatives when he makes his way to the border crossing between Egypt and Gaza tomorrow.
During his visit to the Middle East, he will also meet with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, before holding discussions with the Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Amman.
Minister Martin will also visit an UNWRA refugee camp in Jordan – a country that is currently home to more than two million registered Palestinian refugees.
Rafah Crossing
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste said: “I very much look forward to meeting my counterparts in Egypt and Jordan.”
“Both countries have been at the forefront of international efforts to bring about a desperately needed ceasefire and address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, while maintaining a focus on longer-term political solutions,” he said.
“We will continue our discussions on how Ireland and other like-minded countries in Europe can support the resolution of this brutal conflict, including through the recognition of a Palestinian State and support for UN membership for Palestine.
“It is vital that we use any political capital that we have to generate momentum for a comprehensive regional peace, along the lines envisaged by the Arab peace plan.
“A two-state solution remains the only vision of the future that can ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Middle East
The visit comes as tensions in the Middle East soar following attacks between Israel and Iran, and after a strike on the densely populated city of Rafah in southern Gaza, in which 18 children and four adults were killed over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Israel has warned that it will carry out a ground offensive on the city located at the Egyptian border, despite international calls for restraint.
Up to 1.5 million people are sheltering in Rafah and the humanitarian consequences of any Israeli military operation in the area would be disastrous.
“We cannot and must not lose focus on the situation in Gaza, which remains extremely grave,” said Minister Martin.
“I will use my visit to the Rafah crossing to highlight the impact of ongoing Israeli restrictions on humanitarian access, which prevents life-saving aid from reaching the people of Gaza.
“It is vital at such a moment of humanitarian need and regional instability to demonstrate clear and unwavering support for the work of UNRWA which remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and a pillar of regional stability.”
Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte is part of a delegation of journalists who are making the trip to the Middle East with the Tánaiste and he will be reporting from the Rafah border crossing and Jordan later this week.
