Petition reply on the situation in Gaza

Dear Petitioners,

The conflict in Gaza has been a top EU priority for the past two years. The EU is the largest international donor to the Palestinian people both in terms of development support as well as humanitarian support. The EU has been deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza as a result of the conflict and has repeatedly urged Israel to improve it. The EU has consistently underlined that Israel had the right to defend itself, but in line with international law, including international humanitarian law.

Responding to the catastrophic situation in Gaza, the High Representative and Vice President - with the support of a majority of EU Member States - conducted a review of Israel's compliance of its obligations under Art 2 of the Association Agreement in June 2025. The conclusion of the review was that there are indications that Israel would be in breach of its obligations. Following the review, she presented to the EU Foreign Ministers an inventory of potential actions the EU could take to put pressure on Israel.

In early July 2025, the EU reached a humanitarian understanding with Israel to improve the situation in Gaza. Some positive developments in implementing important measures were noted, including in terms of fuel, reopening of aid routes, reparation of some vital infrastructure, and increase in the number of aid trucks entering Gaza. However, the impact remained limited compared to the scale of needs on the ground.

In light of the deteriorated humanitarian situation in Gaza, the President of the European Commission proposed a package of measures during her State of the European Union annual address, building on the work of the HRVP with the Foreign Ministers. These measures are being discussed by Member States in the Council. In parallel, the Commission took the necessary steps to put on hold the bilateral support to Israel, without affecting the work with Yad Vashem and the Israeli civil society.

On 24 October 2025, the European Council welcomed the agreement reached on the initial phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict, as well as the release of all remaining living hostages and called on all parties to fully implement the agreement without delay. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 adopted on 17 November, which endorses the plan, is now the basis of our engagement.

The EU, thanks to its consistent commitment to the Palestinian people and support to regional integration is contributing to this plan through a variety of tools at its disposal, particularly in four main areas: humanitarian, as the largest donor; security through CSDP missions EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS; governance as the largest supporter to the Palestinian Authority and its reform programme; and reconstruction in cooperation with our regional and international partners.

In our relations with Israel, the EU considers that political engagement and frank and open dialogue are the most effective ways to convey EU concerns. The Association Agreement with Israel is the legal basis of our ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities and it provides mechanisms to discuss issues and advance our point of view. In this framework, the EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to the applicability of international human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The EU is firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. The EU is ready to contribute to all efforts towards this solution and calls on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability. The EU will continue to work with regional and international partners to that end, including through the Global Alliance.

(e-signed)