JERUSALEM, October 30, 2017 (WAFA) - The European Union (EU) on Monday made a contribution of €20 million to the Palestinian Authority‘s quarterly payment of social allowances to poor Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to an EU press release.

This contribution is the first payment channeled following the signing of the intra-Palestinian agreement between Fatah and Hamas. Nearly 80% of the 70,000 beneficiary families live in Gaza.

The EU‘s support to vulnerable families is a commitment to the welfare of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, said the release. The EU supports the Ministry of Social Development to serve a total of 111,000 vulnerable families through an inclusive and equitable social protection system.

“The EU stands firms in its support to vulnerable Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza. We are aware that the period ahead requires joint efforts to allow for the Palestinian Authority to fully resume its responsibilities in Gaza. This is vital to the welfare and inclusivity of the Palestinian society as a whole,” said Deputy EU Representative Tomas Niklasson.

“We stand ready to support, in all ways possible, the reconciliation efforts. This is vital to facilitate much needed basic and social services to Palestinians,” he added.

M.K.