"The situation across the Middle East remains dangerous and volatile. Last week, I visited the UAE and had a number of bilateral discussions with ministerial colleagues on how we can provide more support for the people of Gaza who are facing unimaginable conditions.

"Humanitarian support for the people of Gaza has been and is a top priority for the Tánaiste and the Irish Government. We have provided €29 million in support to the Palestinian people so far this year, underlining our deep engagement with the suffering of the people of Gaza.

"In the coming weeks, I will announce further humanitarian support for crises across the region. These humanitarian announcements demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to the furthest behind first and shows our global aid footprint across the Middle East.

"We support the UN and the multilateral system. We are working to ensure that the UN system is reformed and ready to meet the complex crises we face today. Our confidence and support is demonstrated by core funding we provide to the agencies in which we have great trust, including UNICEF, the agency for children, which is continuing its heroic work in Gaza and other conflicts."