israel

According to the UN, at least 3,695 homes have been completely destroyed while another 4,235 are damaged, but not beyond repair. Bombs have pounded 133 schools and 22 health centres, stadiums, playgrounds, mosques, roads, power and water supplies, sewage treatment plans, phone towers, communications centres, police stations and government buildings.

The Palestinian Housing Ministry estimates the costs of repairing homes far surpasses € 600 million. The total costs of reconstruction could be in the region of € 4 billion so far.

The European Union appears powerless to stop the violence and the deadly conflict that has erupted in Gaza. As the Gaza death toll mounts given Europe’s role as Israel’s top trade partner and the biggest aid donor to the Palestinians, the EU should be able to exercise more influence and use its economic weight to put pressure on the belligerents.

This article below has been co-authored by Manuel Hassassian and Raphael Cohen-Almagor. It has been edited somewhat by AALEP. His Excellency Ambassador Manuel Hassassian is the PLO ambassador to the UK. He was a consultant to UNESCO, the Palestinian Negotiating Team on Refugee Final Settlement, and Minister of State Affairs – Head of the Jerusalem File.