The European Union welcomes the first meeting of the High-Level Dialogue between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority (PA), which represents a significant milestone in our relationship. The EU attaches great importance to its relations with Palestine and remains the largest provider of external assistance to the Palestinian people. The High-Level Dialogue is also an opportunity to discuss the conflict in Gaza and the importance of a political horizon based on the two-state solution.

The EU and the PA discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in line with the interim Association Agreement. The EU commends the PA’s readiness to continue its ambitious reform agenda, despite the challenges involved, and will continue to accompany and support the PA on this path. The meeting itself, and the financial package announced by the Commission, are a testament to the EU’s long-standing support to the PA and the Palestinian people in these challenging times.

In the High-Level Dialogue, the EU expressed its grave concern about the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza and Israel’s resumption of hostilities that have caused the death of thousands of civilians, including children. Israel must reinstate humanitarian aid to Gaza. The EU called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the resumption of negotiations on the ceasefire in Gaza, and an enduring end to hostilities. The EUBAM Rafah Mission is also ready to resume its monitoring activity at the Rafah Crossing Point, once conditions allow it. The Mission helped more than four thousand people seeking medical attention and accompanying family members cross over to Egypt.

The number of civilian casualties, especially women, children and humanitarian workers, in Gaza and the West Bank is unacceptable, and the risk of hunger and famine imminent. The EU reiterated its solidarity with the Palestinian people who continue to be heavily affected by events unfolding in both Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The EU also expressed its deep concern at the high level of violence in the West Bank and reiterated its opposition to the settlement policy of Israel and recalled its sanctions against violent settlers.