We are concerned by the security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially the recent attacks on Israel by Palestinian militant groups. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the security situation with Palestinian President Abbas on 29 June. Staff from our consulate-general in Jerusalem also regularly raise security concerns with the Palestinian Authority (PA), most recently with the Fayyad-led emergency government.
We will do all we can to assist the PA in taking forward security sector reform. As agreed by EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 June, the EU will now develop the conditions for urgent practical and financial assistance including: direct financial support to the government; support to the Palestinian civilian police; the resumption of the EU Border Assistance Mission; and intensive efforts to build the institutions of the future Palestinian state.