Has EU Suspended Aid To Palestine? Exploring Europe’s Response To Israel-Gaza War

Landmark buildings around Europe have lit up with the Israeli flag as governments across the continent convened emergency meetings to respond to the raging Israel-Gaza conflict.

London’s Metropolitan Police has stepped up patrols after videos emerged of celebrations in the city of the attacks against Israel.

Meanwhile, security has also been ramped up at Jewish institutions, Jewish schools and synagogues across France and Germany.

As the chaos rule headlines worldwide, read on for some of the ways some European countries have responded since the brutal war began early Saturday.

UK “Poised” To Provide Diplomatic, Intelligence Or Security Support

Concern is growing after reports that citizens from the UK, France and possibly other European countries were among the dead or missing.

Describing Israel as one of UK’s “strongest allies”, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his government is “poised” to provide diplomatic, intelligence or security support, if requested.

He held a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. The British government has not ruled out evacuating its citizens from affected areas.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said Monday evening his government was reviewing its aid to the Palestinian territories.

Has EU Suspended Aid To Palestine? What We Know So Far

Following pressure from Spain, Ireland and Luxembourg, the EU on Monday backtracked on its earlier decision to halt development aid payments to the Palestinians.

The initial announcement to freeze payments worth $728 million was reversed later in the day, with the European Commission confirming the continuation in a brief statement.

The day was marked by confusion as EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi initially took to X to announce the suspension, stating the EU’s development support was under review.

The 27-member bloc is set to hold an extraordinary meeting of its foreign ministers on Tuesday in Muscat, Oman, to discuss the worsening situation in Israel and Gaza.