EU Pledges Support for Gaza Reconstruction Following Ceasefire Deal

The European Union has declared its readiness to support Gaza's reconstruction and participate in transitional governance arrangements following the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. European Council President Antonio Costa made the announcement Monday after attending the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit in Egypt, where international leaders gathered to solidify the peace process.

Speaking after the high-level diplomatic gathering, Costa confirmed the EU's "full commitment to actively engage with all parties involved" in implementing the ceasefire plan. The European leader expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts of US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, while emphasizing the bloc's intention to participate in the International Peace Board overseeing Gaza's recovery. Costa described the agreement as reflecting international consensus toward achieving a two-state solution and lasting regional stability.

The European Council president outlined concrete measures the EU would undertake, including immediate expansion of humanitarian assistance "as soon as conditions allow." Costa noted that the European bloc remains the largest humanitarian donor to Palestinians and will leverage its existing missions - the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah and EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories - to support border security, police training, and institutional capacity-building during Gaza's stabilization phase.

The EU's reconstruction commitment follows last week's announcement by President Trump that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the initial phase of a comprehensive peace plan. The agreement, which took effect Friday, includes prisoner exchanges and gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The second phase of the arrangement envisions establishing new governance structures in Gaza and forming a multinational security force, representing significant international engagement in the territory's future following extensive military operations that resulted in substantial casualties and destruction.