The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jiran Wahba Abdalmadjid, thanked the Irish people for their “strong and continued” support for the United Nations National Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) for Palestinian refugees.
Speaking at the Social Democratic Party’s annual conference in Dublin, the ambassador referred to Ireland’s announcement on Thursday of an additional €20 million in funding to support Unrwa. He also thanked the government for urging countries that have suspended funding to resume or even increase support to the agency.
Dr Wahabah Abdalmadjid said: “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Ireland and the Irish people for their continued and strong support for justice, human rights and the Palestinian cause.”
She said she was aware that “many countries in the international community have suspended their support to Unruwa” and thanked nations for their “unrelenting support to Unruwa”.
“Thank you Ireland. Thank you the Irish people. And thank you the Social Democrats for inviting me tonight,” she said.
Anruwa, which provides medical, education and other services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and across the Middle East, is currently closed following Israeli claims that 12 of its staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. He is under investigation. caused the bombing of Gaza.
Dr. Wahabah Abdalmadjid said that Palestine is facing ethnic cleansing and genocide. “We are a cause and the Palestinian people have a right to live.”
She said the Oct. 7 attack on Israelis did not happen out of the blue. “It was due to the continued occupation of Palestine and continued policies of persecution and repression. This has been our story for over 75 years.”
Social Democratic leader Holly Cairns has previously said the “absolute disregard” Israel has shown for Palestinian lives is “astounding”.
“Israeli government officials, including the prime minister, president, and defense minister, have clearly expressed genocidal intent. It is our responsibility as any nation to act when we hear that. There is no greater crime.”
Anruwa, which provides medical, education and other services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and across the Middle East, is currently closed following Israeli claims that 12 of its staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. He is under investigation. caused the bombing of Gaza.
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