EU Launches €883.6 million 'Team Gaza' Initiative for Reconstruction

The European Commission announced the launch of the “Team Gaza” initiative at a donors’ conference in Brussels, securing almost €900 million (about $1 billion) for early reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The package, contributed by 15 partner countries – including Spain, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden and Belgium – and by the European Investment Bank and the World Bank, will fund water and sanitation infrastructure, debris removal, health, energy, agriculture and food‑system restoration.

EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica said, “Our objective is clear: to help build hope, resilience and a better future for the Palestinian people.” The EU is adding €257 million for immediate water and waste projects, €310 million via the PEGASE mechanism for the Palestinian Authority, and €41.7 million from additional partners. Australia and Canada have signalled they will join.

The initiative coordinates donor efforts but is acknowledged as far short of the €70‑71 billion estimated for full reconstruction. Its success depends on security conditions, the disarmament of Hamas and Israeli cooperation to allow aid delivery.