BRUSSELS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) announced an international aid package of nearly 900 million euros (about 1 billion U.S. dollars) on Monday to meet Gaza's urgent needs and support the reconstruction process. The EU also stated that financial support for the Palestinian Authority and its reform activities will continue.
Making a statement after the Palestine Donor Group meeting held in Brussels, EU Commission Member Responsible for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, said that a package of approximately 900 million euros was provided for the first phase of the construction process within the scope of the newly launched "Gaza Team" initiative. Suica stated that the package also includes support of 257 million euros (about 292 million US dollars) proposed by the EU Commission and the European Investment Bank.
The Gaza Team initiative, which includes partners such as Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and the World Bank, as well as many European countries, will focus on restoring basic services, rebuilding critical infrastructure and strengthening governance in Gaza.
Suica stated that the EU agreed with Israel to implement two projects for water supply and solid waste management during the recovery period of Gaza. He emphasized that in order for these projects to be implemented effectively, a ceasefire must be established, humanitarian aid must be delivered safely, cooperation with Israel and the Palestinian Authority and Hamas must lay down its arms.