EU rallies dozens of nations to pledge US$1 billion for recovery fund in Gaza

BRUSSELS: The European Union has coordinated efforts to raise 900 million euros (US$1 billion) in pledges of aid for Gaza's rebuilding following two years of Israeli bombardment that left much of the Palestinian enclave in ruins, a senior EU official said on Monday (Jul 13).How much of the money will be delivered - and when reconstruction of Gaza can begin - is unclear. The ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group that took effect in October is effectively stalled.European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica announced the fund after a meeting in Brussels of the Palestine Donors Group, which includes EU and Middle East nations along with international organisations and financial institutions.“The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, and the situation on the ground f