Good afternoon, 

You have said it already, the situation in Gaza and in the West Bank is unacceptable. 

As Commission we continue to advocate for a Two-State solution, one based on a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian Authority. 

We are doing it with words but also with targeted actions. 

We are putting bilateral support to the Israeli government on hold. 

This is an important signal, and a continuation of our policy of advocating for peace. 

In particular, €14 million of already allocated funds in the period from 2020 to 2024. Out of this amount, €4.3 million have been contracted, while €9.4 million remain uncontracted.

Until further notice, we will not proceed with the joint identification of new actions or the signature of contracts.

This is a decision the Commission can make independently on the basis of exceptional events, like in this case, and can be revoked if conditions on the ground change.

As announced, what we are not putting on hold is €20 million allocated for measures to fight antisemitism and foster Jewish Life by supporting Yad Vashem.

Likewise, €10.2 million for civil society will remain untouched.

The EUs support to peacebuilding initiatives via Israeli and Palestinian Civil Society will also continue, with an average allocation of €5 million per year. 

Concrete actions again.

To do our part in sustaining the Two-State solution and making it possible, we continue supporting the Palestinian Authoritys reform process. 

We will provide €1.6 billion over the next two years under our multiannual comprehensive support programme to the Palestinian Authority. 

This is important as they are facing an increasingly precarious financial situation.  

The programme already made a difference on the ground, for example salaries to teachers at Palestinian schools could be paid at least partially last week, coinciding with the start of the school year.

Yet our funding alone is not sufficient. 

The EU is the biggest donor and supporter toward a reformed and efficient Palestinian Authority. 

In this moment of great need, we are enhancing our engagement with the Palestinians. 

As President von der Leyen announced, we will establish a Palestine Donor Group with a first meeting still this year. 

The aim is twofold:

  • Support Palestinian Institutions financially via donations of likeminded international donors, Arab states, international and regional organisations, and International Financial Institutions.
  • Serve as a forum for the Palestinian Authority to present the reforms implementation, ensuring transparency.
  • Engage on the future of Gaza and coordinate international recovery and reconstruction efforts, once the conditions allow.

In terms of governance, the Palestinian Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Commission would co-chair the Group. We have opened the path for Gulf countries to join us in this effort in a prominent way. 

This platform will catalyse efforts of regional and international partners. We invite others to join us and pledge their support as well.  

Thank you.