EU rallies $1 billion in pledges for Gaza’s recovery

Key Points:

• The European Union has coordinated pledges of 900 million euros ($1 billion) in aid for Gaza's reconstruction after two years of Israeli bombardment, though the timeline and delivery details remain unclear due to a stalled ceasefire.
• The UN, World Bank, and EU estimate Gaza’s rebuilding will cost $70 billion, with over 60 million tons of rubble requiring more than seven years to clear, alongside ongoing security and demining challenges.
• Key figures involved in Gaza's reconstruction, including EU officials, Palestinian leaders, and representatives linked to the U.S. peace efforts, highlighted the fragile ceasefire and the stalled process over disarming Hamas militants.
• Separately, EU diplomats are debating responses to rising Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, with discussions focusing on potential trade restrictions with settlements; some countries advocate for strong measures while others prefer cautious, incremental pressure.
• The EU’s legal service confirmed that cutting trade ties with Israeli settlements would require a majority vote, not unanimity, and there is growing support among member states to take decisive action despite concerns about political repercussions.