The EU Commission yesterday announced up to €1.6 billion in aid to the Palestinian Authority for up to 2027, retaining its commitment as the largest donor to the PA. In a press conference, the EU Vice-Commissioner President and High Representative Kaja Kallas condemned Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and called for the immediate entry of humanitarian relief in Gaza. Commissioner Kallas also urged Israel to return to the ceasefire and negotiations with Hamas and for Hamas to release all its hostages while also reiterating her support for the two-state solution.
The aid is intended to increase the institutions of the PA, including its security and justice institutions. The Commissioner said that it is also working with the PA to form a Palestinian police unit for Gaza. The EU intends to increase its activity in the region, and the announcement follows a previous pledge by the EU Commission to provide up to €2.5 billion in aid to Syria for reconstruction.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting with the PA in Luxembourg, and an EU Foreign Ministers Council Meeting. PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa was also present whop reiterated that Israel has killed up to 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza and should immediately end the violence. Malta’s Deputy Prime-Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg was also present for the meetings and met with the Palestinian Premier on the sidelines where he reiterated his support for the two-state solution.
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