The European Commission has announced the suspension of all development payments for Palestinians in light of the recent attacks by Hamas on Israel, according to European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi. Aid projects amounting to 691 million euros (728.6 million dollars) are currently being reviewed and put on hold.
In a statement, Várhelyi emphasized that the scale of terror and brutality displayed by Hamas against Israel and its people is a turning point. He added, “There can be no business as usual. The foundations for peace, tolerance, and co-existence must now be addressed. Incitement to hatred, violence, and the glorification of terror has poisoned the minds of too many.”
Previously, the European Union (EU) and its member states were the largest donors to the Palestinian population. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that the bloc had planned to support the Palestinian people with a total of 1.18 billion euros for the period of 2021 to 2024.
As the situation continues to escalate, EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the issue at an extraordinary meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
