Press Release
Jerusalem
08 November 2016
European Union Heads of Mission visit Gaza
EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah visited Gaza today and met with Ministers of the Palestinian Authority and representatives of Palestinian civil society. The group of more than twenty senior European Diplomats also met with senior UNRWA Officials and visited a school in Beit Hanoun.
The EU and its Member States are providing significant support for Palestinians in Gaza in partnership with the Palestinian Authority, international organizations (notably UNRWA) and civil society.
As confirmed by the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs in their conclusions of 18 January 2016, the EU is committed to facilitating the social and economic development of the Gaza Strip. The EU calls for all parties to take swift steps to produce a fundamental change to the political, security and economic situation in the Gaza Strip, including the end of the closure and a full opening of the crossing points, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns.
In the meantime, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, as foreseen by international humanitarian law, for national, local and international humanitarian organizations, including EU bodies and Member States is essential to address Gaza's pressing humanitarian needs.
EU Heads of Mission, during today's visit, obtained a first-hand impression of the state of play of reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The Heads of Mission met with Ministers of the Palestinian Authority and discussed prospects for the PA to fully resume its governmental functions in Gaza, as it is an integral part of a future Palestinian state.
Contacts:
The Office of the European Union Representative
Shadi Othman (02 5415 867, 0599 673 958); Inas Abu Shirbi (02 541 5 859, 0599 673 957)
Download Document Files: https://unispal.un.org/pdfs/EU_161108_9a.pdf
Document Type: Press Release, Statement
Document Sources: European Union (EU)
Subject: Economic issues, Gaza Strip, International presence, Social issues
Publication Date: 08/11/2016