The Middle East crisis

Background

Following Hamas’ violent and indiscriminate attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, the European Union has unequivocally condemned them in the strongest possible terms. It has expressed its solidarity with Israel and emphasised its right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law.

It has equally reiterated the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law.

7 October opened one of the darkest chapters in history. The humanitarian situation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip reached catastrophic levels due to the continued intensification of hostilities and the consequent Israeli military operation, along with the blockade of Gaza. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, forced displacement, movement restrictions, and settler violence continue. The EU called for an immediate end to this tragedy and welcomed the agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in October 2025.

The EU continues its engagement in diplomatic efforts in the region and internationally to contribute to finding a way out of the cycle of violence. It remains fully committed to a Two-State Solution, with Israel and a Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security.

In focus

EU leads international efforts for strong and viable Palestinian governance

20 November 2025 – At the first meeting of the Palestine Donor Group in Brussels, officials from around 60 countries and international and regional players discussed the Palestinian Authority's fiscal situation and progress on its Reform Agenda. They also discussed the economic recovery of the West Bank. On the margins, the EU, together with Germany, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain, signed over €82 million in new contribution agreements, bringing the total pledges this year to more than €88 million.

Humanitarian air bridge operation — UNICEF

The EU has always been the largest international donor to the Palestinian people. Moreover, the EU has been providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need since 2000.

Since 2023, the EU has significantly increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza, reaching over €550 million*. It has also launched an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operation to bring lifesaving supplies to humanitarian organisations in support of fast delivery of assistance to people in need in Gaza. Thanks to the Humanitarian Air Bridge, over 77 flights have delivered over 5,037 tonnes of aid since October 2023.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) the EU also support the Cyprus Maritime Corridor with an EU logistics hub in Cyprus that facilitates channelling the aid from Member States to Gaza. We also work with World Health Organization (WHO) to medically evacuate Palestinian patients from Gaza to Europe, in a Team Europe approach. Since 2024, 306 patients have been evacuated to the EU for medical treatment.

_{*including €50 million, subject to the approval of the budgetary authority}

Over €550 million

of humanitarian assistance to Gaza since 2023

Over 5,037 tonnes

of humanitarian supplies through the Humanitarian Air Bridge since 2023

More than €1.25 billion

in humanitarian assistance to help meet their basic needs since 2000

Financial support to Palestinians

In July 2024, the EU announced short-term emergency financial support to the Palestinian Authority to help address its most pressing financial needs and support its reform agenda. Almost €400 million in emergency financial support announced have been disbursed between July 2024 and February 2025. Payments have been subject to progress in the implementation of the reform agenda.

In April 2025, the Commission proposed a multiannual comprehensive support programme for Palestinian recovery and resilience. Worth up to €1.6 billion, it will cover the period 2025 to 2027. It will support the economic recovery and resilience in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and in Gaza, as well as the Palestinian private sector.

To ensure the transparent implementation of the support programme, the EU has launched the Palestine Donor Group, which held its inaugural meeting in November 2025. This platform brings together key international partners to support a reformed and well-functioning Palestinian Authority. Their aim is to strengthen governance, build a more resilient economy, stabilise finances, improve services for the population, and create conditions for future effective governance across all territories.

Almost €1.36 billion

allocated for 2021-2024, out of which over €1.03 billion approved

Up to €1.6 billion

announced under the proposed comprehensive support programme for 2025-2027

16 APRIL 2025

More about the EU support to Palestinians - Factsheet

Diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution

The European Union fully endorsed the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas in October 2025. This was a major achievement; however, tangible progress is now needed on three critical fronts

the full release of the deceased hostages
the withdrawal of the Israeli army along the agreed lines
the substantial and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The EU remains committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process.

The EU's diplomatic efforts have included:

Calling for protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law
Redoubling its humanitarian engagement in the region
Calling for dialogue between Israel and its neighbours to continue to keep stability and peace in the region
Seeking a long-term solution that brings peace and security to everyone.

Addressing terrorist, illegal and harmful content on social media

Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, and in view of illegal and harmful content circulating on social media, the Commission has been in contact with major platforms to ensure they respect their obligations.

Digital Services Act: requires large online platforms to remove illegal content and to take measures to tackle the risks to public security and civic discourse.
Terrorist Content Online Regulation: enables Member States to send removal orders for platforms to take down terrorist content within one hour.

No place for hate: Europe united against hatred

The Commission has also stepped up its efforts to fight antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in all its forms, by reinforcing action across a variety of policies, including security, digital, education, culture and sport. This includes additional funding to protect places of worship and will be backed up by the designation of Envoys with an explicit mandate to maximise the potential of EU policies to combat hatred.