More than a third of the money, to be provided over two years, will come as direct budget support to the PA and is aimed at improving financial sustainability, democratic governance and services to help the private sector develop.

The European Union has unveiled a financial aid package of up to €1.6 billion to support the Palestinian Authority (PA) and fund projects in the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

The offer comes as Israel expanded its military offensive across Gaza over the weekend.

More than a third of the money, to be provided over two years, will come as direct budget support to the PA and is aimed at improving financial sustainability, democratic governance and services to help the private sector develop.

“Our programme aims to support the Palestinian people in building a sustainable future,” said EU Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.

“It’s about the governing capacity. It’s about advancing economic recovery. It’s about strengthening the resilience of the private sector.”

Speaking to reporters after talks in Luxembourg with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, she said “a well-functioning and reformed Palestinian Authority must play a central role in the post-conflict governance of Gaza. This is our position.”

Over €576 million in grants will go to fund projects in several sectors across the Palestinian territories, with €82 million going to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

The private sector can benefit from up to €400 million euros in low-cost loans from the EU, the world’s largest aid donor to the Palestinians.