Fórsa has donated €100,000 to the UNICEF Gaza Crisis Emergency Appeal.

The union’s national executive announced the decision last week at its monthly meeting, which took place in Cork.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said Fórsa’s national executive took the decision due to the urgency of the appeal: “The scale of the unfolding human catastrophe in Gaza demands a massive humanitarian response.

“Almost half of Gaza’s population are children. UNICEF has a committed humanitarian team who remain in Gaza and work with trusted local NGOs and civil society groups to distribute urgently needed aid.”

Estimates of the death toll in Gaza now stand at over 9000 people. Urgent and practical support is needed, which is why Fórsa’s executive decided to make this donation,” he said.

Fórsa President Michael Smyth said “Our union is committed to showing global solidarity with people around the world. The devastation in Gaza is appalling. UNICEF’s work to protect children is crucial and we are proud to support them.”

Speaking at UNICEF Ireland's office in Dublin, Kevin Callinan said: "Children in Gaza are being killed everyday. A ceasefire is needed now to stop this suffering. We were honoured to meet with UNICEF Ireland to mark Forsa's €100,000 donation to their emergency appeal and thank them for their vital work."

Acknowledging the donation, UNICEF executive director Peter Power thanked Fórsa and outlined where the funding would be directed in the coming weeks and months, including the provision of urgently needed water, hygiene dignity kits, tents, blankets, medicines and food.

You can read his letter to Fórsa here.

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