Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018
52. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which reconstruction or improvement works in Gaza are being hampered by the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28930/18]
View answerAll construction work in Gaza is severely hampered by Israeli restrictions on types and quantities of materials that are allowed into the Strip. This includes reconstruction of war damaged buildings, including large numbers of houses, and construction of essential infrastructure, such as badly needed water, sewage and electricity utilities. Even those projects which are approved are subject to delays, and additional costs, due to the restrictions.
In my contacts in the region I have discussed a number of possible projects to improve conditions in Gaza, with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and others. An easing of restrictions imposed by Israel would be essential elements of these. I will continue to take this work forward.
I am very conscious of the needs of the Palestinian people, and particularly the needs of those in Gaza. Last week, Ireland pledged additional humanitarian funding of €250,000 for the work which the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) undertakes there. This additional funding will support the Agency in delivering urgently needed food, shelter, education and social services for 1.3 million Palestine refugees in Gaza.
