Doha: Egypt welcomed the European Commission’s announcement of the EUR 1.6 billion-worth multi-annual Comprehensive Support Programme to foster Palestinian recovery and resilience.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing the significance of the programme, describing it as reflective of the European Union’s (EU) support for the Palestinian Authority and the empowerment of its institutions. The programme is seen as a means to fulfill the aspirations of the Palestinian people and address their legitimate needs in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The Ministry highlighted that the EU’s stance demonstrates an understanding of the necessity to support the Palestinian people during this critical stage of their national struggle. It further emphasized the importance of working towards a just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian cause based on the two-state solution.
Additionally, the Ministry welcomed the allocation of EUR 82 million in funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This allocation is crucial for supporting Palestinian refugees, and the Agency’s role in providing essential services and humanitarian assistance is deemed irreplaceable and indispensable.
Egypt also expressed its hopes that the EU will continue its support for the Palestinian Authority. It encouraged the EU to play an effective and constructive role by participating in the Early Recovery and Reconstruction Conference in Gaza, which is to be hosted by Egypt in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government.