EU Suspends Aid to Palestine Due to War in Israel

The European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Oliver Varhelyi, announced on social media that the European Union is reviewing its aid portfolio to Palestine, which amounts to €691 million. He stated that all proposals for the 2023 budget have been postponed, and all payments have been suspended. The European Union recognizes the Palestinian Hamas movement as a terrorist organization.

“The scale of terrorism and brutality against Israel and its people is unprecedented. We cannot continue to operate as usual,” he wrote on social media.

Earlier today, German authorities also announced the suspension of aid to Palestine due to Hamas attacks in Israel. There had previously been an agreement between the countries, under which Germany was to provide a total of €125 million in aid for 2023 and 2024.

On October 7, Hamas launched hundreds of rockets towards Israel. In response, Israel initiated military operations in the Gaza Strip. More than 800 people have died in Israel, with another 2,500 injured. In the Gaza Strip, 576 people have been killed, and 2,900 residents have been wounded. EU member states and the US have supported Israel, while Iran and Lebanon have backed the actions of Palestinian militants.