Source: European Parliament
While the full extent of the consequences of the Israeli legislation adopted on 28 October 2024 on UNRWA’s capacity to fulfil its mandate in the occupied Palestinian territory is not yet clear, the EU has recalled[1],[2] its deep concern in this regard, has repeatedly stressed[3],[4],[5] the essential role of UNRWA, which provides crucial support to the civilian population in both Gaza and the wider region, and has condemned any attempt to obstruct it. Continued implementation of the UNRWA Action Plan is key[6],[7],[8].
The EU has deplored the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza, which has caused a large number of civilian casualties in recent air strikes. It has called for an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire-hostage release agreement, and stressed the importance of unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza[9].
Since 7 October 2023, the EU and its Member States working as Team Europe have acted quickly to mobilise over EUR 1.16 billion in humanitarian assistance, which has been channelled through humanitarian partners on the ground (international and local humanitarian organisations).
In addition, the EU has been providing in-kind assistance by land, air and sea. As of 5 February 2025, over 4 000 metric tonnes of humanitarian cargo were supplied by humanitarian partners, EU-owned stockpile items, and donations from Member States[10].
Concerning the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the Council recalls its reply to Written Question E-001357/2024. The European Union and Israel held the thirteenth meeting of their Association Council on 24 February 2025 in Brussels.
The parties engaged in a political dialogue, focusing on the conflict in Gaza and Israeli-Palestinian relations, regional issues including Iran, and global issues.
The discussion also covered EU-Israel bilateral relations. The European Union presented its position[11], including that, pursuant to Article 2 of the Association Agreement, relations between the Parties, as well as all the provisions of the Agreement itself, are to be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guide their internal and international policy and are an essential element of the Association Agreement.
As for further engagement with the parties concerned, it may also be noted that the first ever High-level Dialogue meeting between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority took place on 14 April 2025.
The European Commission announced its proposal for a multiannual Comprehensive Support Programme worth up to EUR 1.6 billion, to foster Palestinian recovery and resilience.
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/viyhc2m4/20250320-european-council-conclusions-en.pdf
- [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf
- [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf
- [4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/2pebccz2/20241017-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
- [5] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/qa3lblga/euco-conclusions-27062024-en.pdf
- [6] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf
- [7] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/2pebccz2/20241017-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
- [8] https://www.unrwa.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/ist_012025_progressreport_01202025.pdf
- [9] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/20/european-council-conclusions-on-middle-east-oceans-and-multilateralism/?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=AUTOMATED%20-%20Alert%20-%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_id=3318
- [10] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-humanitarian-support-to-palestinians/
- [11] https//data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf