EU commissioner discusses Gaza recovery, regional stability with Israeli minister

Suica emphasized the "urgent need to advance early recovery" in Gaza, noting that continued cooperation is "key to delivering early recovery projects on the ground." The EU had previously announced in July an initiative to fund Gaza's early recovery, aimed at restoring essential services, rehabilitating infrastructure, and strengthening governance.

The EU has expressed criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza while also reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense. Additionally, the bloc has criticized Israel's expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which are widely considered illegal under international law and an impediment to peace.

However, the EU's 27 member states exhibit divisions in their approach to Israel, with some maintaining close ties while others are more critical. This context follows an incident in June where Saar announced he was severing contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas over remarks attributed to her comparing Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.