Hazel ChuJan 16, 2025
The news of a #Gaza ceasefire is welcome, and respite from the violence and the murder. However, what happens next is important too. After previous conflicts the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism has been the vehicle for getting supplies into Gaza to rebuild. This has in practice led to a denial of essential materials and supplies. It has been little more than the continuation of the Israeli blockade and the choking of Gaza. As a result, little reconstruction has happened following previous attacks.
Show threadHazel ChuJan 16, 2025

Given the scale of destruction in the last 15 months, preventing the reconstruction in Gaza is condemning Palestinians there to ongoing humanitarian disaster. Ireland must use its voice to ensure reconstruction actually happens or the humanitarian consequences of this onslaught will not stop.

This of course comes against a backdrop of cuts to UNRWA funding, and attempts to undermine and destroy UNRWA.

Show threadHazel Chu

The ability of Palestine to rebuild Gaza depends as much on UNRWA and International Aid as it does access to materials. WIll this new government step up and ensure that Palestine can get what it needs to rebuild?

Ultimately what Palestine needs is an end to the occupation. There can be no real justice or peace without that.

#Gaza #Palestine #GazaCeasefireDeal #UNRWA

Jan 16, 2025 at 2:32pmWeb
Show threadHazel ChuJan 16, 2025
Enacting the Occupied Territories Bill is the most basic thing Ireland can do to support Palestine. The language in the Programme for Government suggests a worrying climbdown. We need to "pass" legislation, not just "progress" it, and it needs to include services not just goods.