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Gaza blockade: time to reassess EU's approach to aid the occupied Palestian territory

This week, SOLIDAR attended an expert seminar on Gaza’s reconstruction organised by CIDSE and APRODEV, where EU policy makers, UN and NGO representatives were invited to reflect on the EU’s policies towards the oPt. The seminar highlighted the need to adopt a global state-building strategy beyond humanitarian and institutional building support, which takes into account the challenges of engaging in an environment of continuing conflict and disrespect for international law, as well as the legal and political implications of EU’s aid.

It is crucial for the EU to re-frame its policies in order to become a more effective player in the Middle East peace process. This implies making the EU’s foreign, trade and development policies comply with the principles of international law and an urgent need to rethink which institutional, legal and political tools are at hand for the EU to end Gaza’s isolation, to contribute to its re-development and to work for peace in the region.