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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Tanaiste Simon Harris announces €4million aid package for Palestinian children during ‘window of hope'
TANAISTE Simon Harris has announced a €4million funding package for Palestinian children during what he has called a 'window of hope". The package includes €3million for children's education, €700,000 to human rights organisations and €300,000 to support services and vulnerable families. 2 Tanaiste Simon Harris has announced a €4million funding package for Palestinian children Credit: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved The Tanaiste speaking earlier today, said: "The funding I am announcing today will help deliver access to education at a time when so many children's lives are being destroyed by this catastrophic war." Harris said this announcement brings Ireland's support of the This package comes following warnings by the Tanaiste that the next few days represent a 'window of hope for delivering a ceasefire'. Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, welcomed the news. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN He said: "Ireland is supporting Palestinian and Israeli organisations to defend human rights at a time when they are under immense pressure." The funds will be used to train teachers, provide school materials and rebuild schools that have been damaged or destroyed. During the announcement, Tanaiste He said: "Our support for schools is a critical part of Ireland's longstanding partnership with Palestine. In Gaza, our ongoing support for UNRWA continues to deliver vital remote learning to almost 300,000 children living in a war zone. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN 'Since Israel launched a military operation in the West Bank in January, more than 40,000 people have been displaced. It is vital that the international community maintains its focus on the violence and displacement occurring in the West Bank.' Hopeful regarding future peace talks, he added: 'I welcome the indications of potential peace-talks, which I discussed at length this week with the Prime Minister of Qatar, who was is playing a leading role in the ceasefire efforts. 'It is vital now that all parties do everything they can to find a way forward and put these peace-talks on a formal footing.' 2 The funding will be used to train teachers, provide school materials and rebuild damaged buildings Credit: AFP or licensors
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
HUNDREDS of Irish citizens in Iran & Israel call for ‘evacuation options' as Govt issue new advice
TANAISTE and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has said Irish citizens in Israel and Iran are requesting to be evacuated. It comes amid growing tensions between the two countries over the past week. 3 Tanaiste Simon Harris raised the issue of providing consular assistance at a meeting today Credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire 3 Strikes kicked off on Friday Credit: Getty Images It comes amid ongoing efforts by Israel launched an attack on Iran on June 13, 2025 in what they described as a preemptive strike to avoid Tehran developing nuclear weapons. Several of Iran's nuclear scientists and top military officials were killed in the strikes. Iran have launched counter attacks on Israel following the instigating strikes with missiles firing over and back between the two countries for the past five days. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Over 200 people have been killed in And today local media in Iran report that explosions have been heard in Tehran, after US President Simon Harris has said there are over 200 registered Irish citizens across Iran and Israel, some of whom who want to be evacuated. There are around 30 registered Irish citizens living in Iran and around 200 living in Israel. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN The Iran launches wave of missiles at Israel & smoke billows over Tel Aviv after Ayatollah vow to avenge blitz on nuke sites Speaking on potential evacuations this morning he said: "In both Tehran and Tel Aviv, a number of people, a relatively small number, have indicated that should evacuation options become available, they'd like to be considered to avail of them." And Harris has since attended a meeting with The Tanaiste confirmed he had raised the issue of providing consular assistance to EU citizens caught in the conflict. He said: "This morning's meeting was a welcome opportunity to discuss with my EU colleagues the deeply concerning escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and how the EU can respond. ADVICE AGAINST TRAVEL "There was a strong call for urgent steps to de-escalate this conflict, and to allow space for dialogue and diplomacy. I made clear that the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. "I also called for strong coordination at EU level on consular assistance for EU citizens. We all agree that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, but dialogue and diplomacy are the means to achieve this de-escalation.' Simon Harris said the Irish Government is continuing to advise He explained: 'I have spoken with our Ambassadors in Tehran and Tel Aviv again this morning. "Our Embassies continue to be in close contact with Irish citizens to provide support and assistance. "Irish citizens in the region are advised to remain in close contact with their nearest Embassy, to be vigilant and to follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place. "We continue to advise against all travel to Iran and Israel for Irish citizens.' 3 Smoke rises from the area where Israeli forces struck the Iranian state television building in recent attacks Credit: Getty Images
