The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), has announced a further 58 million euros (US$74 million) in humanitarian aid to vulnerable Palestinian civilians, the Commission said on Monday.

The new package of aid was announced by European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel during his ongoing two-day humanitarian mission to the Palestinian territories and Israel.

The new funding is allocated under the European Commission's 2009 Global Plan. Of the money, around 32 million euros will be earmarked to respond to the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza, 20 million euros will be for assistance to the West Bank, and the remaining 6 million euros is destined for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

According to the Commission, Michel is using the visit to see for himself the destruction in Gaza following the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and to witness just how difficult the living conditions are there for the 1.5 million Palestinian population. He will also visit the Israeli town of Sderot as well as hold meetings with leading Israeli and Palestinian officials.

"The civilian population in Gaza has faced terrible and unprecedented suffering over the past weeks and humanitarian aid is now even more vital to their survival than before. This funding package of 58 million euros will contribute substantially to the international effort on behalf of these suffering people and will also sustain our ongoing solidarity with the entire Palestinian population," said Michel during his visit.

Earlier this month, immediately after the start of Israel's military campaign in late December, the Commission adopted an emergency decision for Gaza to provide 3 million euros in urgent humanitarian relief.

According to the Commission, the Global Plan will enable a response to the desperate humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population. The funding will be used to deliver food assistance, water and sanitation services, shelter rehabilitation, cash-for-work, health and psycho-social support throughout.

(Xinhua News Agency January 27, 2009)