‘We're keen to transport' – Aid trucks for Gaza paid for by Ireland left sitting in warehouse for over 5 months
IRISH consignments of humanitarian aid for Gaza have been sitting in a warehouse for over five months due to restrictions imposed by Israel.
The two consignments, consisting of tents, blankets, household items and non-perishable food, were halted from travelling into Gaza in March.
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The government announced an additional €2 million in funding for the World Food Programme, last week
Credit: EPA
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Four Irish trucks have been sitting in a warehouse outside of Jordan since March
Credit: Getty Images stock photo
They have since sat immobile in a warehouse in Jordan.
The four trucks, paid for by Ireland, were dispatched in February and were due for immediate distribution.
The trucks, however, were halted when Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza in early March.
Speaking to RTE, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign said they are "keen" to transport the supplies to Gaza "as soon as possible".
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They said: "It was tents, blankets, household items and non-perishable food. It's all in a warehouse in Jordan at the moment,
"Obviously, we're keen to transport it as soon as possible, but have been unable to do so due to the restrictions on aid into Gaza."
The spokesperson added that Tanaiste Simon Harris had consistently called on Israel to lift restrictions and allow aid in.
The majority of Irish aid to Gaza so far has been delivered through initiatives with the UN.
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Last week, the government announced an additional €2 million in funding for the World Food Programme.
The Programme, which helps people in need, managed to deliver 4,000 tonnes of food to people in Gaza last week.
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Speaking on the announcement, the Tanaiste said: "Deliberately denying food to people, including babies, in Gaza is beyond comprehension.
"Children are starving in what is a catastrophic situation on the ground.
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"In recent days, I've asked my officials to examine how best Ireland can play a part in helping.
"This emergency package of funding being announced today will support the World Food Programme to get food to people who urgently need it."
He explained that while the recent delivery of 4,000 tonnes of food represented life-saving work, the WFP estimate that 62,000 tonnes of food aid is needed per month in Gaza.
He added: "Once again, we call on Israel to remove the many restrictions and delays on transport into and within Gaza. This is the only feasible way to avert famine in Gaza."
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CHILDREN EVACUATED
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has confirmed that Ireland will provide medical evacuations for 18 more children from Gaza to Irish hospitals.
A dozen children have already been to Ireland along with their carers.
These evacuations are part of a World Health Organisation program which Ireland has signed up to.
The next group is expected to fly in from Egypt in early autumn.
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In a statement, the Department of Health said: "Ireland has to date provided medical evacuation for 12 paediatric patients out of a commitment of 30 patients.
"Twenty-three carers and family members have been evacuated along with these WHO patients"
They added: "Medical evacuation will be provided for up to a further 18 WHO paediatric patients, their parents or carers and eligible immediate family members."
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The shipment was halted when Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza in early March
Credit: Getty Images stock photo
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