EU Steps Into Gaza’s Reconstruction but Faces Doubts Over Influence
The European Union is pushing for a stronger role in Gaza's reconstruction and peace efforts. Officials have announced plans to join Donald Trump's Board of Peace, aiming to oversee Hamas' disarmament and the territory's rebuilding. Yet critics claim the EU's actions remain limited and lack a clear strategy.
At a recent donor conference, several European nations pledged fresh funding for the Palestinian Authority, but questions persist over the bloc's political influence in the region.
The EU's latest moves came during a two-day event focused on Palestinian support. On Thursday, the Palestine Donor Group met to review reforms by the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank and may take on responsibilities in Gaza. Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica stressed that the EU wants to be 'players, not just payers' in the region.
On Friday, Germany, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain announced new contributions at the donor conference. Germany committed an extra €115 million, Luxembourg €8 million, Slovenia €1.5 million, and Spain €9 million. The EU itself added €82 million to its earlier pledge, bringing its total for 2021 to €88 million.
Beyond funding, the bloc is deploying 10 personnel to the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre. Plans are also underway to train 3,000 Palestinian police officers. However, lawmakers argue that these steps reveal the EU's weak political leverage. Its support for the Palestinian Authority remains tied to reform demands, with the long-term goal of a two-state solution.
Critics say the EU's approach is too cautious and arrives too late to make a real difference. The bloc's efforts to raise funds and shape the peace process have instead highlighted its limited influence in Gaza's future.
The EU now has a seat at the table for Gaza's reconstruction and security talks. Its financial contributions and training programmes signal a commitment to stability in the region. But with critics questioning its strategy and impact, the bloc's ability to shape outcomes remains uncertain.
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