EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini has welcomed Israel’s decision to resume the transfer of the Palestinian Authority’s tax revenues.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said revenues accumulated over three months, frozen by Israel since January in retaliation for a Palestinian move to join the International Criminal Court would be transferred after normal deductions for services.
It said the decision was made following the recommendation of Israel's security establishment and because of humanitarian considerations.
Israeli security officials had warned that continuing to hold back the revenue could spark violence.
The European Union has been pressing for this step, without which the Palestinian institutions' capacity to govern risked being fatally undermined.
‘’Finally after three months, this step will ensure vital relief for thousands of Palestinian Authority workers and their families,’’ said Mogherini in her statement.
Under existing agreements, Israel collects taxes and customs on behalf of the Palestinians and then transfers the sums to them.