According to reports, the foreign ministers of the member states will take part in an extraordinary meeting on the Israeli crisis on Tuesday, October 10. The topic of the meeting is to include, among others: EU suspension of funding following Hamas attack on Israel. This decision followed the announcement of a similar decision by Germany and Austria.
Attack on Israel. EU ministers will meet on the suspension of financing for Palestine
– Issues that concern the foundations of peace, tolerance and coexistence must be addressed. The incitement to hatred, violence and the glorification of terror have poisoned the minds of too many people. We need action and we need it immediately, said EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, speaking about the planned meeting. The meeting is to be held by videoconference.
As POLITICO notes, the European Union’s statement opens the debate on an issue that has long been a source of concern: the financing of Palestine. Last year, the EU was supposed to transfer approximately EUR 300 million to entities related to this country of the promised total of EUR 1.8 billion planned for 2021-2024. The money was intended to help the Palestinian Authority pay the salaries of civil servants and finance refugee assistance projects.
Germany and Austria stopped financing Palestine. The Netherlands has a different opinion. ‘We must distinguish ordinary Palestinians from Hamas’
On Monday, October 9, the German and Austrian authorities suspended development aid for the Palestinians from these countries. In the case of Germany, the announced support may amount to up to EUR 125 million, which was to be paid in 2023-2024. – German aid will be temporarily suspended and subject to a comprehensive review – said a spokesman for the German Ministry of Development, quoted by Reuters.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luise Amtsberg, announced that this year her ministry provided EUR 72 million in humanitarian support for Palestine. This support was provided by international organizations and the UN. She noted that the funds were allocated for food and health care for the poor and suffering in the Palestinian territory.
Before Germany, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announced the suspension of aid to Palestine. According to him, the amount is approximately EUR 19 million.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands has so far presented a different attitude. Mark Rutte said on October 9 that the Netherlands had no intention of withholding financial aid to Palestine. – We must distinguish ordinary Palestinians from Hamas – appealed the Prime Minister, emphasizing that the Netherlands fully recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense. He also announced that Jewish organizations and institutions in the Netherlands will receive additional protection.
Source: Gazeta
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