The European Union has announced a major initiative to take part in post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza, pledging a €5 billion support plan over three years following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. EU officials described the plan as the bloc’s largest humanitarian and development commitment since the war in Ukraine, aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and restoring stability in the war-torn enclave.
€2 Billion for Infrastructure and Essential Services
According to Spanish newspaper Negocios, the European Commission confirmed that around €2 billion will be allocated for the first phase, focusing on critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, sanitation, and hospitals. Reconstruction work is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, targeting the most severely damaged areas.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the US-brokered peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, calling it a “vital step toward a lasting ceasefire.” In a post on X, she urged for the release of all hostages and emphasized the need to “end the suffering and create the conditions for Gaza’s reconstruction.”
Multi-Track European Support Plan
As reported by El Periódico, the EU’s assistance will be channeled through three main tracks:
Rehabilitating destroyed infrastructure
Supporting local economic recovery and youth employment
Funding essential public services, particularly in health, education, and energy
The move reflects a growing consensus among European policymakers that stability in Gaza is crucial for regional security and for curbing irregular migration flows that have long been a concern for Brussels.
European Reconstruction Fund and Oversight Mechanisms
The EU plan includes establishing a special reconstruction fund for Gaza, jointly managed by the European Union and the World Bank, with additional contributions from Arab nations and the United Nations.
About €1.5 billion will go toward reviving the local economy through small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture, and light industry. The remainder will support education and housing reconstruction, particularly in northern Gaza, where devastation has been widespread.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the EU also announced the creation of maritime and air humanitarian corridors, along with a civilian monitoring mission to oversee financial management and prevent corruption in aid distribution.
Political and Diplomatic Engagement
Von der Leyen stressed that Gaza’s reconstruction is “not merely a financial task, but a political commitment to ensure the war never returns.” France and Italy have expressed willingness to participate in a civil monitoring mission to help secure the ceasefire and supervise border crossings, while Germany emphasized that reconstruction must be tied to a comprehensive political process leading to a two-state solution.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the ceasefire as “good news for the peoples of the Middle East and beyond,” thanking Egypt, US President Donald Trump, Qatar, and Turkey for their mediation and peace efforts.
Internal Divisions Within the EU
Despite general support for the initiative, internal disagreements persist among EU member states regarding funding mechanisms and oversight. Eastern European countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic oppose any direct engagement with Hamas authorities, while others like Spain and Ireland advocate a firmer stance toward Israel and accountability for civilian harm.
Observers warn that these divisions could slow down the implementation of the reconstruction plan amid the region’s complex political and security challenges.
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