European Commission Launches $1 Billion Initiative to Support Early Recovery Efforts in Gaza

GHLands: The European Commission announced, on Monday, 13 July 2026, the launch of the “Team Gaza Initiative”, aimed at mobilizing financial contributions worth €883.6 million (approximately $1 billion) to support early recovery efforts and the restoration of essential services in the Gaza Strip.

The announcement was made during the second meeting of the Palestine Donors Group, held in Brussels, Belgium. In a statement, the European Commission said the initiative focuses on financing vital projects aimed at improving humanitarian conditions and rehabilitating key sectors in Gaza.

According to the statement, the initiative’s priorities include repairing water infrastructure and sewage networks, removing rubble and solid waste, supporting healthcare services and the energy sector, as well as helping revive the agricultural sector and food security programs in Gaza.

The Commission noted that the initiative was developed based on the findings of the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment for Gaza, prepared by the European Union in cooperation with the United Nations and the World Bank and released in April, with the aim of identifying priorities for the early recovery phase.

The European Commission also announced the signing of new contribution agreements under the mechanism used to transfer financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, as part of efforts to support recovery programs and restore essential services in Gaza.

Despite reaching a ceasefire agreement on 10 October 2025, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, amid the failure to implement key provisions of the agreement, including the reopening of crossings and the entry of agreed quantities of humanitarian, medical, relief, and reconstruction materials.

The ceasefire agreement was reached after a war that lasted nearly two years, resulting in more than 73,000 fatalities and over 173,000 injuries, in addition to widespread destruction affecting approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure across the Gaza Strip.