Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission
16.7.2025
The EU provided fundings, together with other Member States, for the construction of the European Hospital of Gaza 36 years ago, in 1989, 18 years before the 2007 Hamas takeover of Gaza.
With the financial support of the EU, the hospital was built to provide secondary healthcare services to Palestinians in Gaza. The EU has never had any management responsibility for the European Hospital.
Further to Israeli Defence Force order, the European Hospital, managed by the de facto Ministry of Health in Gaza, was evacuated in July 2024 and following the evacuation, reportedly looted. On 13 May 2025, Israeli airstrikes hit the compound of the hospital and the surrounding area causing a number of civilian casualties.
The EU has unreservedly denounced and condemned Hamas' use of medical facilities and recalled their protection under international humanitarian law[1].
The EU has also reiterated repeatedly the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times, as well as of civilian infrastructures.
Regarding specific checks and monitoring mechanisms to ensure sound financial management in Palestine[2], the Commission has strong safeguards and procedures in place to ensure that EU funds are managed in a transparent and sound manner.
The Commission implements rigorous safeguards to ensure that no persons or entities receive EU funding if they are involved in criminal or unethical practices, including terrorist financing and terrorist offences.
Due diligence and risk assessment are systematically conducted before funds are disbursed. All financing agreements include clauses prohibiting the diversion of funds to listed groups or individuals. EU restrictive measures are applicable to any of the Commission grant beneficiaries all over the world.
No evidence has been found to date that money has been diverted for unintended purposes, as reaffirmed during the financial review of EU assistance in Palestine that took place in November 2023[3].
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/11/12/statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-humanitarian-pauses-in-gaza/.
- [2] This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.
- [3] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/communication-commission-review-ongoing-financial-assistance-palestine_en.