The European Union has provided a contribution of 43 million euros to assist the Palestinian Authority in paying the salaries and pensions of its employees and retired civilians in the West Bank.

The European Union stated in a statement today, Friday, that "this support will help the Palestinian Authority meet part of its obligations towards its Palestinian civilian employees, as it continues to face a very difficult financial situation due to the prolonged economic crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories," according to the news agency "Ma'an."

The European Union indicated that "this situation is seriously exacerbated by the irregular payments of the Palestinian clearance tax and the ongoing deductions by Israel."

The statement confirmed that a contribution of 43 million euros has been provided by the European Union through the first tranche of short-term emergency financial assistance for the Palestinian Authority, noting that it targets the payment of civil service employees who mostly work in the social sectors of health and education in the West Bank, as well as retirees.

This short-term emergency financial support for the Palestinian Authority also aims to address its most urgent financial needs and support its core and credible reform agenda.

Maria Velasco, Deputy Representative of the European Union, stated according to the statement: "The European Union continues to provide significant contributions to the budget of the Palestinian Authority, at the most critical times to help pay the salaries of government employees and retirees."

She added: "We support Palestinian teachers, health workers, and social workers who are of utmost importance in education, health, and social care services. Our contributions to the salaries of government employees and pensions once again demonstrate our unwavering support for the efforts to build a Palestinian state."

She pointed out that "the European Union continues to urge Israel to stop deducting Palestinian tax revenues and to respect its obligations under existing agreements. In addition, Israel must take immediate steps to improve the deteriorating economic situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, such as lifting the restrictions on the access of Palestinian workers. The European Union and its member states remain the most reliable and committed donors and partners to the Palestinian people."