Hello Paula, given the latest developments in the Middle East that the President has welcomed,

does the Commission intend to withdraw the proposals it made to partially suspend the

Association Agreement with Israel and sanction two extremist ministers of the Benjamin Netanyahu Government?

Thank you, Jorge for giving the floor to Anouar.

Obviously such measures are proposed in a given context, and if the context changes,

that could also eventually lead to the change of the proposal,

but we are not there yet.

Anouar, anything you want to add to this?

Yes, thank you, Jorge, for the question.

Maybe let's start by welcoming the agreement on the peace deal and the ceasefire.

And also welcoming commending the role played by the United States,

but also the role of Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.

We obviously stand to contribute to the success of this plan as

we have different instruments to activate in order to help supporting the deal.

We can also, reiterate here, the role that, we, have played in supporting governance and the reform of the,

of the PA, and together with the Palestine Donor Group, the reconstruction, instrument.

In terms of reconstruction of Gaza, that was for the context.

Now, in terms of the measures on the table,

the forthcoming Foreign Affairs Council will offer an opportunity to discuss the way forward. And the foreign affairs questions, Noureddine.

Anouar, when the European Commission and the High Representative proposed the The sanctions against Israel.

This was related to the violation by Israel of Article 2 of the Association Agreement.

Yes, today there are a historical or very impressive summit in Sharm el Sheikh.

There are impressive pictures of the hostages and the Palestine coming back,

etc etc.

But still 10% of the The population of Gaza had been disseminated either killed or injured.

According to the Israeli reports,

83% of these victims are among civilians.

So my question is, If Will the European Union,

will the Commission take into account in any kind of reviewing its own proposal,

these facts?

Of the civilians killed in the International Criminal Court, warrant of arrest against Netanyahu, the situation in the West Bank, so there should be an impact, sure,

but if the European Commission is one day to review its proposals,

will the Commission commit itself to respect, let us say,

The legal parameters, at least.

My second question, if you do not mind, is about the Palestinian Authority's role in Gaza.

The plan you are commending, the Trump plan,

gave no place for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.

And there are, of course, many, many questions, but.

What role does the European Union see for the Palestinian Authority in dealing with the Gaza reconstruction,

etc. Noureddine for the question.

On your first point, needless to say that we remain committed to our values.

As for the measures that you are also raising here, I have already addressed the issue,

and let's not preempt or prejudge the discussions that will be

taking place amongst Member States in the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council.

Now, you mentioned the role of the Palestine Authority.

We would like to see the EU a more prominent role for the Palestinian Authority and more clear steps towards a

political horizon for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution,

based on the principles endorsed by a large majority of UN Member States. That is clear. The questions to. Yes, Noureddine, go ahead.

High Representative said it will be deployed at the crossing Rafah on Wednesday.

Can you give us some or update us on some details regarding the number of the officials, what they are doing? Will this mission be extended?

What about Eupol Cops, the second mission in the US Bank?

Before addressing the point of our CSDP missions, let me again stress the scope and

depth of our toolbox that we are ready to activate in terms of the situation on the ground.

We have a unique expertise for the day after in Gaza, and in light of such,

we are ready to activate all our instruments in our toolbox to support the implementation of the deal.

On reconstruction, as said, points 10 and 11 of the peace plan,

with the instrument announced by the President at the State of the Union.

On the two-state solution, points 19 and 20 of the plan with the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the two-state Solution, on humanitarian, looking at our first place in terms of being donors to

Palestine with over €500 million since October 2023 and the newly established Palestine donor group that will catalyze

political support for a viable future governance of a Palestinian state,

including in terms of implementation of the. Reforms.

The same goes for financial assistance with our longstanding vital support to the Palestinian Authority with EUR €1.6 billion

for the years 25 and 27 to keep the Palestinian

Authority afloat and thereby the horizon of a two-state solution. Within that framework.

We also have indeed our CSDP toolbox that we are activating as the High Representative.

We announced for next Wednesday, and this is part of 8 of the deal to

show that we are bringing direct contributions to the peace plan that we have commanded.

So indeed, in terms of EUBAM Rafah, we are redeploying our civilian border assistance mission,

and this is as of Wednesday when the Rafah crossing point will be reopened.

In addition, we also have the Eupol Cops mission, which supports the Palestinian civil police and wider justice institutions,

thereby improving the security of the Palestinian population and reinforcing the rule of law.

What does it mean in terms of reactivating the civilian mission on the ground?

By redeploying it, we will actually allow the Rafah crossing point, basically between Gaza and Egypt,

to serve as a point of entry to Gaza,

and B, exit from Gaza for.

Individuals agreed by the parties,

including those requiring medical care and accompanying persons.

So this is, in one sentence,

the rationale and scope of us reactivating the mission. Thank you. Please. Thank you, Paula Gelrardo from Politico.

As a follow up on Jorge's question, because, you said that the proposal is linked to a certain context and if the background changes,

this could lead to a change in to, to the proposals, but we are not there yet, you just said.

So what are the steps to get there?

So what do you expect from, in terms of, next steps so that the commission could consider to change the proposal?

As Anouar has already explained, there is a proposal.

This proposal from the Commission was put forward in a given context

and as a means to precisely bring forward and achieve a ceasefire.

We are very, very, very pleased, as everybody across the world is,

to see that we do now have a ceasefire.

We want to really see this peace plan implemented in both its stages, the first stage,

as it is now the case with the release of the hostages,

and we also want to see the next stage of the plan implemented by.

Both parties, and on this basis we'll see if there's a need to reassess or not the proposals that we

have put forward and the first occasion will be the

discussion at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council as Anwar also indicated. Stefan.

Maybe a more general question which role do you see for the EU in the future when it comes to reconstruction,

how much money might be available?

Is this already something prepared because I guess the need will be

quite big and that is probably a role that the EU could play. Thank you.

And we've been preparing and hoping that this day, where we look at the reconstruction comes, sooner rather than later, but, Anwar, please,

give us the elements, the more detailed elements on,

the role that we are playing and will be playing now as of today. Yes, thank you very much.

We have been preparing for this day, and today is the day, and we are ready to actually act.

I will here recall what I just said a few minutes ago because this is

actually the direction of travel that we will be following in terms of our EU role.

So we have, as I said, unique expertise for the day after in terms of post-conflict.

We have a multifaceted contribution to address the multifaceted needs in Gaza.

Let's start with the reconstruction because you put that on the table.

Points 10 and 11 in the peace plan.

We are ready with the reconstruction instruments that the President has announced herself in the State of the Union.

That's 12, in terms of humanitarian, because humanitarian needs will also stay quite acute.

We have been the largest donor to the Palestinians since October 2023, with over.

500 million, and with the newly established Palestine Donor Group,

we will also use that instrument to catalyze the political support

that is needed for the viable future governance of a Palestinian state.

Then, on financial assistance, we are also there with our longstanding vital support that is keeping the Palestinian Authority afloat,

with EUR 1.6 billion.

Euros for 25-27, so this is in the future, which means that we are ready to act and to support the Palestinian Authority, also including the horizon in terms of the two-state solution that we are also,

and that's another point, politically speaking, supporting points 19 and 20 of the peace

plan with our efforts on the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state.

Solution that the High Representative has also been co-sharing with the Saudis in New York.

So that's in a nutshell, the scope and the depth of the EU's role for the day after in Gaza. Thank you. Yes, please. Nicoletta Ayunta, for Euractive.

Can you please clarify when was the last time that HIVP Kallas met with,

External Action Service official Martin Selmayr? Thank you.

I don't see the extent to which this is relevant to the discussion on Gaza, but it's a different topic, I see. It's a different topic. I see.

Let, let us just conclude on any related questions, to Gaza and Israel. Stefan, you have a follow-up.

Yeah, just to, to, to understand, you mentioned the figure 1.6 to 1.7 for the Palestinian Authorities.

So how much of this or how much money is available for Gaza specifically? Thank you.

Well, on this, we need to unpack and Guillaume is ready to unpack,

but it's €1.6 billion for the years 25-27. Good, oui, s'il te plait. I am from.

On the humanitarian crisis,

can you tell us exactly what is making its way into Gaza?

The Israelis are saying 250 trucks per day.

Can you, can you confirm that figure?

And is that enough in your opinion? Thank you for the question.

Well, when it comes to figures about trucks making their way into Gaza, I don't have them in front of me,

but this is part of the evaluation being carried out by our

services within the framework of the agreement that we have with Israel. That's part of something.

That we're evaluating week by week along with the member states and we'll

get back to you with the latest inventory for those who are interested. Thank you.

Yes, does the European Union intend to request a seat in

the boat of peace that it's foreseen under the Trump plan?

Have you, are you in touch with the White House to secure a seat in this boat? Thank you.

Thank you Jorge, I think that the High Representative has been quite clear, and in light of the track record that I have been here outlining in terms of how ready we are to play a positive,

constructive and concrete role for the day after in Gaza,

indeed we believe that Europe has an important role to play and that we should be part of that. Thank you. Yes.

Since you have been repeating, sorry, I'm Gabriele Cipriani from Agentia Nova,

you have been repeating several times that Russia should repay for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Do you believe Israel should repay for the reconstruction of Gaza

since they have destroyed almost all the strip and the civilian infrastructures? Thank you.

Gabrielle, it's definitely an interesting question on which

I would not have any comment at this stage. Nicholaus. Nicholaus Röhl for Euractive.

I understand the Commission will not be present at today's meeting.

Yet the Commission is meeting Western Balkan leaders who the President met just two weeks ago.

Can you elaborate why the Commission has prioritized this Western Balkan meeting over the Sharm el-Sheikh meeting?

Secondly, are there any concrete plans to propose

additional funding for aid to and rebuilding of Gaza?

On your first question, Nicholaus,

the EU is being represented by the President of the European Council,

António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, President von der Leyen,

could actually not participate given her prior and long standing commitment

to do this visit to the various countries of the Western Balkans.

In addition, it is essentially a ceremonial event that is taking place, so in the end,

this was the division of tasks between the President of

the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

On the second question, Anouar, yes, on the second question, let's look at the sequencing that we have.

We are now welcoming the agreement on the first phase of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza,

the Gaza war, as put forward by President Trump.

And today is also a moment to actually rejoice when we look at the, release of, all the hostages.

So this is the first phase we are actually in.

Now in terms of looking ahead to the next steps, we have already said that we stand ready to contribute, right, hence the announcement by the High Representative in the sense of reactivating our EUBAM Rafah mission on Wednesday when the Rafah crossing point will be open,

and these are concrete, clear, tangible contributions in terms of Gaza's stabilization and then also reconstruction,

but we need to take it step by step, but for every step of the way. We have something to offer. Thank you.

And let me see, Nouredine, since you already had a possibility to ask a question, I see so many online.

Mose, but I'll try to get back to you, Mose.

Yes, yes, thank you very much, Paula.

I would also like to follow up on all these questions, also have, have them in mind, and, I know I just mentioned the EUBAM mission at Rafah, which will be deployed, as you said already this Wednesday, but I wonder which role it can play if Israeli

troops are still there and not been withdrawn from this so-called, Philadelphia corridor between Gaza and, Egypt, And the other question, well, as you said,

you can contribute is, this, police mission, you, you call the cops,

does that takes place, I suppose, currently in the West Bank.

So how do you think, we can expect that, it will also be deployed inside the Gaza?

And thirdly, they would mention that all these actions, which you will and can contribute to in the coming steps of the implementation of the Trump plan, that would, I suppose, require that the EU will be able to influence the implementation and as someone already asked,

I mean, That Trump has said that a task force will be formed by representatives from the United States,

Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and countries to be agreed upon by the parties.

To follow up, exactly this implementation, you know, all the other steps 20 altogether.

The question is, has EU or an EU member state been invited to, to that board until now? Thank you.

I will answer all your questions in one sentence, in the sense that our reactivation of our civilian border assistance mission, EUBAM Rafah,

proves the extent to which the EU is contributing in a very concrete terms to the peace plan,

and again, let's go back to the plan itself. It's point number 8.

What will the mission do in very concrete and simple terms? This mission will allow the parties. To reopen the Rafah crossing point.

So if you look at the map that's between Gaza and Egypt for the transits in and out of

Gaza of individuals that will be agreed by the parties,

including for those who require medical care and accompanying persons.

So this is in simple terms, the concrete and The positive contribution of the EU on the ground in the sense of

the day after in Gaza and in terms of stabilization to

support the implementation of the ceasefire and of the peace plan. Anouar.

Can all those online, if it does not concern foreign affairs,

please put your hands down.

So we still have foreign affairs question, Maria Psara. Hello, Paula, thanks for the floor.

I think the, this question is for you, it's a follow up.

Can you can you confirm that the president has received an invitation by the Egyptian president and the American president to

be in the summit because it's not only the ceremony,

it's the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, which I think it's important.

So, in your answer, if If you want to include the priorities of the Commission, it seems that it is more important to

travel in the Western Balkans than to go to the Middle East to follow all these,

well, the historical moments that will happen today. Thank you.

I would definitely not see any reading in terms of prioritization because, as I said before, the EU is represented and is represented by a President of the European Council, so we're there, we have a voice there with President António Costa, and As I said,

when it comes to the action that will follow, the President of the European Commission is absolutely committed to mobilizing all the tools

that we have to really contribute to the day after,

to the day that we've all been waiting for, to the reconstruction of.

Gaza, and therefore really no issue of prioritization.

We are well represented and the President of the European Commission is totally committed to the

next steps that will now follow in terms of bringing life to the Palestinians in dignity.

And I think we take still Noureddine on foreign

affairs and then we see if there are other topics.

To double check, it is only the movement on Rafah is concerned only those who are

injured and their relatives who should be getting

the OK from the Israeli and the Egyptian authorities. Is that correct?

So the list of individuals is agreed by the parties, and I will not be able to hear explicit here for security reasons, obviously,

and for these individuals it's about entry to Gaza via the Rafah crossing point

and exit from Gaza through the Rafah crossing point,

including, which means not exclusively.

About medical care for those who are part

of this list of individuals agreed by the parties.

The question is about the Peace Council.

The European Union is not part of this Peace Council of Gaza.

At least as I understood, the European Union.

I was not invited to be in.

My question is whether the European Union looking to be

part of this Council or take part in its mission?

Second, how can I understand the reluctance of the European Union to be part of it?

My last question is about Tony Blair.

The gentleman is Very famous and has a very famous role in the Iraq invasion

and he has been Had been investigated by the House of Commons for many,

many reasons.

How do you see his mission in the light mainly of his completely non achievement at anything when he led the Quartet Group,

the famous Quartet Group on the Middle East?

Did you have any role in his position in choosing Mr. Tony Blair, how can you understand?

The reluctance of the European Union to be part of the Peace Council of Gaza, thank you. Thank you.

No comments on the on the gentlemen, that's 12, as I said, indeed, we're ready to take our fair share and to play our role in the day after in Gaza, including, on the board of Peace,

looking at our track record, looking at our multifaceted tool that we can activate to address the multifaceted needs,

in, in Gaza, and we have been clear, about that, including the High Representative herself. Thank you.

And with this we move to a different topic.

If it's still foreign affairs, then please hand your, raise your hand. No more questions to Anouar.

I see then yes, you had a, a,

a question which it's Anouar, it's External Action Service.

Yeah, I think it will, if you can repeat it.