We have worked closely with the European Commission and the World Bank to draft terms of reference for the evaluation, and to ensure that the review examines the linkages between both the European Commission and the World Bank with respect to the Temporary International Mechanism. Department for International Development officials in Jerusalem and Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in Brussels have had a substantial engagement with the review teams and continue to work with them to ensure the final report is of a high quality. The final report is due to be presented at the end of the month.
We did not provide any financial, diplomatic, military and humanitarian support to the Hamas-led government.
We have continued to provide support to the Palestinian people. The EU set up the ‘Temporary International Mechanism’ (TIM) in 2006, which provided support directly to the Palestinian people, bypassing the Hamas led government. This has been extended for a further three months until September. The EU gave €680 million to the Palestinians in 2006, more than in any previous year. €200 million of this was transferred through the UK-inspired TIM. The UK has also provided £15 million through the TIM. This has supported Palestinian front line health services, allowances for government workers and the operation, maintenance and repair of water, sanitation and electricity services in Gaza and the West Bank
We have provided no financial, diplomatic, military or humanitarian support to Fatah. We have provided some limited media training for Palestinian political parties including Fatah.