The European Union on Thursday pushed for accelerated reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA) as part of broader international efforts to end the Gaza war, hosting 60 delegations in Brussels to discuss future governance and reconstruction of the territory.
The 27-member bloc — the largest financial supporter of the Palestinians — is seeking a more active role after being largely sidelined during US President Donald Trump’s push to negotiate an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“Our aim is to strengthen governance, build a more resilient economy, stabilize finances, improve services for the population, and create conditions for future effective governance across all territories,” said Dubravka Suica, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.
As part of the initiative, several EU countries pledged contributions exceeding €80 million ($92 million), forming a portion of the bloc’s previously announced €1.6 billion package over three years. Suica emphasised that EU funding is directly tied to the PA’s reform commitments.
The Palestinian Authority maintains that it must play a central role in administering Gaza after the US-brokered ceasefire takes effect. The PA has had no governing authority in Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007, though it continues to provide limited services in the enclave.
Trump’s proposal envisions the PA returning to Gaza governance after completing a series of reforms — a plan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has effectively dismissed.
“We were clear today, as always, that Gaza and the West Bank are one political and geographical unit, inseparable parts of the state of Palestine,” PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said. “Reunifying the two under one legitimate government, one law and one administration is the only workable path to stability.”
The EU, internally divided over the conflict, has struggled to exert influence throughout the war. As part of its bid to play a greater role in Washington’s plan, Brussels also aims to train up to 3,000 Palestinian police officers to serve in the Gaza Strip.
Comments are closed.