European Commission welcomes Israeli disengagement from Gaza and prepares further measures to support the peace process
The European Commission welcomes the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip and Northern parts of the West Bank as a
significant step towards implementing the Quartet Roadmap. The Commission is particularly encouraged by the close
coordination and the restraint shown by Israelis and Palestinians which attest to the courage and commitment of both
sides.
Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said:
“I am heartened by the manner in which the preliminary stages of disengagement from Gaza and Northern parts of the West
Bank have taken place. I am conscious, however, that this is only the beginning, and the challenges that lie ahead are
immense. To address some of these challenges the Commission is preparing a new financial package of €60 million to
rebuild infrastructure and strengthen Palestinian institutions in the Gaza Strip. I shall be announcing further details
of this package in September.”
In support of disengagement and the peace process, the Commission is preparing a specific package to accompany
disengagement. This is designed to provide support for new projects particularly in the field of customs administration,
transport and energy supply, infrastructure and health and social services. Selection of specific projects will be done
together with the Palestinian Authority and in close co-ordination with Member States and the Quartet’s Special Envoy,
Mr Wolfensohn. These measures come on top of a €20 million package announced previously for social support to refugees
in the Gaza Strip.
The Commission will continue its efforts to develop good governance and democracy in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip
in line with European Neighbourhood Policy priorities and the Quartet Roadmap. This includes its extensive support to
the PA electoral process, the public system of financial management and the rule of law.
Total EC support to the Palestinians in 2005 is expected to exceed €250 million.