Irish minister visits Gaza, pledges $0.67m to UNRWA

Irish Minister of Trade and Development Joe Costello announced a contribution of $0.67 million to the UN agency for Palestine refugees to support emergency food assistance to Gaza, UNRWA said Friday. During a trip to Gaza earlier this week, Costello visited one of the agency's preparatory schools and later a food distribution center in the Nuseirat refugee camp, the agency said. "We are proud to work with UNRWA to help support these refugees in their time of need," Costello was quoted as saying. Margo Ellis, director commissioner-general of UNRWA said that the organization was grateful for many years of support from Ireland. "As the socioeconomic situation here continues to deteriorate, it is critical for UNRWA to be able to provide this assistance," she added. An Israeli-imposed economic blockade has severely limited Gaza's imports and exports since 2007. Additionally, recent events in Egypt have led to the closure of the Rafah crossing and the destruction of hundreds of smuggling tunnels between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, further obstructing Gaza's access to goods.