Germany 'temporarily suspends' development aid for Palestinians

Programs will now be reviewed comprehensively and with an open outcome, says Development Ministry spokeswoman

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany has “temporarily suspended” financial aid for cooperation with the Palestinian territories as a result of Hamas’ attack on Israel, a spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development announced on Monday.

The programs will now be reviewed comprehensively and with an open outcome, Katharian Koufen told a press briefing in Berlin.

She said around €125 million in bilateral development cooperation was promised for this year and next.

This is about longer-term development cooperation, she said, citing as examples “water supply and sanitation, a desalination plant, vocational training, job creation for young people, and food security.”

Over the weekend, when the conflict began, Development Minister Svenja Schulze confirmed that the federal government would review its entire commitment to the Palestinian territories.

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson also said even though development aid has been suspended, his country would continue humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories via international aid agencies.

Kaynak:

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