In a significant decision, the European Commission has opted to continue funding the Palestinian Authority (PA) despite documented instances of antisemitic incitement in Palestinian textbooks. The package includes €145.35 million for salaries and pensions of PA civil servants, including those who write the controversial textbooks.
The European Union (EU) has faced a dilemma regarding its financial support for the Palestinian Authority. While concerns about antisemitism and glorification of terrorism in Palestinian textbooks have been raised, the EU has decided to maintain its financial aid without imposing new conditions. This article delves into the complexities of this decision and its implications.
The Antisemitism Controversy
An EU-commissioned study by the Georg-Eckert Institute confirmed that Palestinian textbooks indeed feature antisemitism, glorification of terrorism, and the erasure of Israel. Despite this, the European Commission approved a substantial aid package of €224.8 million for the Palestinians, in addition to previous contributions for UNRWA and humanitarian aid. The EU projected a total of €1.152 billion in financial support for the Palestinians from 2021 to 2024.
The European Parliament’s Concerns
Last year, Prof. Dr. Eckhardt Fuchs, director of the Georg-Eckert Institute, highlighted the problematic content in Palestinian textbooks during a session at the European Parliament. While some books adhered to UNESCO standards, others contained incitement to hatred and antisemitic elements. Despite years of negotiations and repeated pledges of “zero tolerance” for antisemitism, Palestinian children continue to be exposed to harmful material.
The Aid Package Details
The aid package includes €145.35 million designated for salaries and pensions of PA civil servants, including those responsible for writing the contentious textbooks. Additionally, €3 million is allocated to promote gender-responsive policies and laws in the occupied Palestinian territory. Notably, Palestinian textbooks have even glorified Dalal al-Mughrabi, a perpetrator of the murder of 38 Israelis, including 13 children, within the context of female empowerment.
