EU expands Gaza support, slams IOC invite to Russian athletes

The European Union has restated its solidarity with Gazans, describing the alliance as the Palestinian people’s “most credible supporter” and “strongest backer of the two-state solution.”

On Monday, High Representative Kaja Kallas reaffirmed that all 27 Member States agree that Israeli settlements in the West Bank “are illegal under international law.”

Speaking after a meeting of Foreign Ministers, Kallas, the European Commission’s VP, highlighted the stalled Gaza peace process, saying she’s in touch with Palestine’s leadership.

Kallas confirmed the Palestine Donor Group has raised €900 million for humanitarian assistance. The body comprises the EU, Middle East nations, international groups, and financial institutions.

The EU, meanwhile, strongly denounced the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to invite Russian athletes back to international competitions.

Kallas noted the invitation “coincides with Russia killing a record number of civilians” in Ukraine. “It looks like the IOC is rewarding such attacks,” she protested.

The EU is, however, boosting Armenia and Moldova’s deterrence against external coercion. EU experts will support Armenia in countering cyber threats, disinformation, and illicit financial flows.

For Moldova, Ministers adopted an additional €120 million under the European Peace Facility, the biggest support package yet, aimed at strengthening the country’s air defenses.

The EU also urged Ankara to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all EU Member States, following Cyprus’s complaint about Türkiye’s plan for a gas pipeline with the island.