The European Commission has unequivocally condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel over the weekend. Following these events, the Commission announced today that it has reviewed the EU’s assistance for Palestine, worth €691 million and has immediately suspended all EU aid to Palestine.

In addition to the existing safeguards, the objective of this review was to ensure that no EU funding indirectly enables any terrorist organisation to carry out attacks against Israel.

Meanwhile, Germany and Austria earlier on Monday said they were suspending all bilateral development aid to Palestinians

The Commission will equally review if, in light of the changed circumstances on the ground, its support programmes to the Palestinian population and to the Palestinian Authority need to be adjusted.

The Commission will carry out this review as soon as possible and coordinate with Member States and partners any follow up action necessary. In the meantime, as there were no payments foreseen, there will be no suspension of payments.

This review does not concern humanitarian assistance provided under European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

Read also: Hamas: “The era of reasoning with these savages is over,” says Israeli U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan

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