Social Democrats T.D. for Dublin Bay North, Deputy Cian O’Callaghan, has called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to do more for the people of Palestine who are at grave risk due to COVID 19:
“The Irish people have a long history of standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine – now more than ever they need our assistance and support. There are only 65 ventilators in Gaza which has a population of almost two million people and they have also run out of COVID 19 testing kits for over a week now.”
“The Palestinian representative in Dublin has told us that aid from Turkey is being blocked by Israel. This is utterly unacceptable.”
“Ireland has a role to play in ensuring aid and medical equipment reach those that need it. We must use whatever influence we have to ensure that the people of Palestine have some protection from this pandemic.”
“The Irish government must work with our European allies and within the United Nations system to apply pressure on Israel to lift the blockade of the Gaza strip to allow essential medical and economic aid to be delivered immediately.”
“As well as those living in Gaza, I am deeply concerned for other Palestinian people who are living in cramped refugee camps in neighbouring countries. In conditions like these, where physical distancing is nearly impossible, the virus will spread quickly.”
“I welcome the news that the Government have brought forward our contribution to the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) – but more must be done.”
[ENDS]
17th April 2020