An-Najah News - The European Union representative announced supports the Palestinians with an assistance package of around €71 million in response to the coronavirus pandemic, during a meeting with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammed Shtayyeh.

The EU notes the challenges linked to implementing the response plan including the fact that the occupied Palestinian territory is economically dependent on Israel, restrictions on movement and access for Palestinians, and the complex challenges in the Gaza Strip under blockade.

The EU’s assistance package, which also includes humanitarian aid, is a direct response to the Palestinian Authority’s COIVD-19 Response Plan
The EU will also advance a payment of €40 million to PA civil servants to ensure that the PA has sufficient funds to cover the extra expenses foreseen in its response plan.

The EU will increase its support to Palestinian small and medium-sized businesses by €5.5 million so that they can continue in their role as the backbone of the Palestinian economy.