Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on behalf of the European Commission

In its recent Communication, ‘A united front to beat COVID-19’, the Commission highlighted its full involvement in the multilateral response to the coronavirus crisis and stressed the need to ensure wide international access to vaccines. The EU is among the largest donors to the COVAX facility through which the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) shall receive COVID-19 vaccines to cover up to 20% of its population. In addition, the EU has pledged up to EUR 20 million to help the Palestinian Authority (PA) to purchase vaccines and provide the necessary logistics and equipment.

The EU has been regularly encouraging Israel to address, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law, the priority needs of Palestinians in the oPt and to support COVID-19 vaccine availability more generally. The Israeli authorities have taken some measures to support Palestinian efforts to secure vaccination for their population, including a contribution of vaccines (5,200 doses) for frontline Palestinian health workers, as well as the vaccination of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and of Palestinian workers in Israel. In parallel, the EU will continue to engage with Israel, the PA and key stakeholders and stands ready to play its part, in close coordination with both parties.

The EU is not considering the suspension of the Association Agreement with Israel. Such a decision would need to be taken ultimately by the Council under Article 218(9) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.