The EU will review its development aid to the Palestinians after the Hamas attack on Israel. The European Commission announced this without mentioning the “suspension” announced by one of its commissioners, much to the dismay of some of the 27 member states.
The European Commission announced that it was launching “an urgent review of the European Union’s aid to Palestine”, while a few hours earlier one of its commissioners, Oliver Varhelyi, had announced the suspension of all payments provided for under this development aid.
“All payments immediately suspended, all projects re-examined, all project budgets, including the one for 2023, postponed until further notice, reassessment of the entire program,” the Hungarian Commissioner for Neighborhood and Community Affairs said in a message
Michel: “No funding cuts or we will help Hamas”
A cut in EU funds to the Palestinians “could be exploited by Hamas and increase tensions and hatred,” writes EU Council President Charles Michel on opinions were exchanged between several leaders. Nothing can justify Hamas’s atrocious terrorist attacks and crimes against Israel and its people. Israel has the right to defend itself and all military operations must be carried out in accordance with international law. We must not interrupt urgently needed development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population. This could be exploited by Hamas and increase tensions and hatred.”
Great Britain will also review its aid program
The UK is also “reviewing” its development aid to the Palestinians following the Hamas attack, British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said.