Today (2 March) at the conference on Gaza's reconstruction held in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Erich Stather, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, pledged financial support from the German Government to the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas.

They explained that the Federal Government would provide a contribution of 150 million euro, which was to be used in close coordination with the Palestinian Authority. The Federal Government expects the Palestinian side to establish reliable structures in the Gaza Strip and expects Israel to allow a controlled opening of the border crossing points in order to enable successful implementation. The resources are being provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Federal Foreign Office.

Federal Minister Steinmeier made the following statement at the meeting, which was attended by many high-level international government representatives:

“Even six weeks after the end of hostilities, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. That is why the continuation of humanitarian aid and a rapid reconstruction are essential. Here, Germany is prepared to provide substantial assistance.

Together with our partners, we want to go further and work on creating the conditions for a durable ceasefire. In this respect, close cooperation with constructive partners in the region is especially important.”