7 hours agoEU promises 120m euros in aid to Gaza as ceasefire approaches
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)The EU has warmly welcomed the prospect of a ceasefire in the Israeli-Gaza war that has lasted for 15 months and has promised 120m euros in aid today as the region faces its terrible legacy. Brussels played only a limited role in establishing the peace agreement, but expectations are greater than it [...]
Brussels played only a limited role in establishing the peace agreement, but expectations are high that it could play a stronger role in the future of the region, including political and logistical support.
“The truce agreement and the release of hostages offers hope that the region desperately needed,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leenen in an X post, but added that the “humanitarian status of Gaza remains gloomy”.
The deal was announced Wednesday by US President Joe Biden and Qatar's principal mediator, but its fate has been questioned after Israel has not approved it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed last-minute unidentified demands made by Hamas, who rules Gaza, though members of his cabinet have also been publicly sceptical about the deal.
The promised EU aid package today includes assistance for food, health care and sewers, and brings total support to the region since 2023 to 450m euros, with 3,800 tonnes of air-supplied assistance.
