Reported by Euronews

The European Union has pledged up to €1.6 billion in financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, aiming to support projects in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Over €576 million will fund development in key sectors, while €82 million is allocated to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Up to €400 million will be available to boost the private sector through low-cost loans.

EU Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica emphasized the need for a reformed and effective Palestinian Authority to lead post-conflict governance in Gaza. The aid package, which includes direct budgetary support, is designed to promote financial stability, improve governance, and aid economic recovery in the Palestinian territories.

The announcement came amid intensified Israeli strikes in Gaza, including a deadly hit on Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. Israel claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command center, while Hamas called it a "new war crime." The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to over 50,000 reported Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.