Brussels has taken swift action by suspending all financial aid to Palestinian authorities from the European Union's general budget, Euronews has reported. This decision was announced by Oliver Varhelyi, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, in response to HAMAS's recent military attack on Israel.
As the primary donor to the Palestinian territories, the European Commission is conducting a comprehensive review of its support portfolio, which amounts to a substantial €691mn. Varhelyi shared this development on X (formerly Twitter).
This suspension of aid will have wide-reaching implications, affecting ongoing payments and development projects, including the allocation of funds for the year 2023, which will be put on hold until further notice, as emphasized by the European Commissioner.
Varhelyi stressed the urgency of redirecting focus towards the fundamental principles of peace, tolerance, and coexistence. He voiced concerns about the detrimental impact of inciting hatred, violence, and glorifying terrorism, which has had a negative influence on many individuals. He called for immediate action to address these issues.
On October 9, Austria made a similar announcement, suspending bilateral aid to the Palestinians. Germany also raised questions about its financial support for such initiatives, although this does not extend to emergency humanitarian assistance, as requested by Ireland and provided by the two countries and the entire EU.
Historically, the European Union has provided autonomous funding for critical areas, including healthcare, education, civil servant salaries, and state-building projects in the Palestinian territories.
Earlier in the day, senior EU representatives reiterated their unwavering support for Israel's right to self-defense. European Commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero underscored that EU funds are strictly prohibited from benefiting terrorists and Middle Eastern organizations on any blacklist.
She made it abundantly clear that the EU neither directly nor indirectly supports HAMAS or any other terrorist entities. The European Union has established rigorous rules and procedures for monitoring and verifying recipients of European funds.
Notably, consultations with EU member states did not precede the announcement of the reduction in Palestinian funding, as reported by Euronews. Some countries, such as Luxembourg and Spain, expressed dissatisfaction with this unilateral decision. Diplomatic sources raised questions about the European Commission's authority to take such actions independently. EU foreign ministers are scheduled to convene on Tuesday to discuss the situation and potential next steps.
Traditionally, the European Union has been the primary source of humanitarian and financial aid for the West Bank, which is partially administered by the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas. This support encompasses vital services like healthcare, social assistance, civil servant salaries, and initiatives aimed at state-building and development.
In the Gaza Strip, funds are directed through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) and various other organizations.
This measured response by Brussels reflects the EU's commitment to ensuring that its financial aid serves the interests of peace, stability, and the well-being of all parties involved in the region.
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