Gaza - "Jerusalem" dot com - The European Union provided 2.6 million euros to farmers in the Gaza Strip, to support the "Reconstruction of the Private Agricultural Sector in Gaza" programme.

The EU contribution of €2.6 million targets 113 farmers and agricultural companies to relaunch, repair or replace agribusiness affected by the conflict. It covers a wide range of activities including acquisition of agricultural supplies, rehabilitation of land, water wells and other small scale infrastructure works, while incorporating smart and adaptive farming technologies.

The total financial value of the program is 10.5 million euros. So far, the program has targeted 375 Palestinian farmers and agricultural companies. The program was designed and implemented by the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture and the Risk Prevention and Agricultural Insurance Fund. Payments are made by the Ministry of Finance in the Palestinian Authority through a network of local banks, according to the statement.

"The Occupied Palestinian Territories have strong agricultural potential especially in Area C and Gaza, where farmers suffer most from the consequences of the ongoing conflict and the ongoing attacks from Before Israeli forces or settlers, I appreciate the resilience of Palestinian farmers on their land, who have demonstrated their commitment and managed to create income-generating opportunities that support their families and the local economy.

These payments come amid a continuous deterioration in the situation of the Palestinians, especially in Gaza, and only a few days after the recent escalation in the Strip and its environs. There is a need for a radical change in the political, security and economic situation in the Gaza Strip, including the Palestinian Authority's full resumption of its governmental functions in Gaza as an integral part of a future, viable, contiguous and democratic Palestinian state."