THE European Union has co-ordinated efforts to raise €900 million (£767.5m) in pledges of aid for Gaza’s reconstruction following two years of Israeli bombardment that left much of the Palestinian enclave in ruins.

How much of the money will be delivered and when rebuilding work can begin is unclear. Though a ceasefire between Israel and resistance group Hamas took effect last October, there are frequent violations by Israeli forces.

European commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica announced the fund on Monday after a Brussels meeting of the Palestine Donors Group, which includes EU and Middle Eastern countries, international organisations and financial institutions.

“The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile and the situation on the ground for civilians is not getting better,” Ms Suica said.

The United Nations, the World Bank and the EU estimate that reconstruction will cost $70 billion (£52bn).

Separately, EU diplomats debated how to respond to increased Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

The European Commission has tabled options including cutting off trade with Israeli settlements.

Nations such as Ireland and Spain are calling for forceful action, but the Czech Republic, Germany and others, along with the commission, want no more than incremental pressure.