European Commission: Increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza by 50 million | Policy

The European Commission wants to immediately increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by 50 million euros, bringing its total to more than 75 million euros. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (65 years old) said on Saturday evening after a conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (74 years old) that the aid aims to reach those in need in the Gaza Strip in cooperation with the United Nations.

European Union Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Protection, Janez Lenarcic (55 years old), said, “Doubling the humanitarian aid provided by the European Union will help ensure that the civilian population in Gaza can be provided with the basics.” It is crucial to ensure safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. Von der Leyen also stressed that the committee supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

The European Union announced over the weekend that it would suspend its development aid to the Palestinians and reconsider the aid funds amounting to 700 million euros. Development aid – unlike humanitarian aid – is a long-term measure to promote economic and social development.

The approximately €75 million that the EU Commission is now providing is purely emergency humanitarian aid, such as that provided in Syria or Afghanistan.