Ireland is to give €42 million in aid to the people of Palestine over the course of 2026, up from €36m last year.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee made the announcement during a visit to the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
The funding will include €20m to support the work of UNRWA that provides vital services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, and across the region, while €2m will assist the work of the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent Societies.
On a visit to the Rafah crossing into Gaza this morning, I announced €42m in funding from Ireland to support the people of Palestine this year.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) January 13, 2026
This includes €20m to support the vital work of @UNRWA across the region.https://t.co/U2SfBBDNyq pic.twitter.com/HWCWDwysXt
Minister McEntee said: "The humanitarian and human rights situation across Gaza and the West Bank remains incredibly stark.
"This funding from Ireland will help to provide food, shelter, water, sanitation, health and education for people across Palestine. It will be primarily delivered through our UN partners, particularly UNRWA.
"The funding announced today demonstrates Ireland's continued support for the people of Palestine and our commitment to supporting UN partners providing vital aid and assistance."
Minister McEntee is also visiting Jordan today, where she will take part in a series of political engagements as well as seeing the work of partner organisations working with Palestinian and Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan.
