Belgium ? The European Union will wait until a Palestinian unity government finalizes its policy toward Israel before deciding whether to restore financing to the Palestinian Authority.

Traditionally pro-Arab nations such as France have been keen to resume direct assistance to the Palestinians after a yearlong boycott of the Hamas-led government that economically devastated the Palestinian territories. But the bloc’s position has been to insist that Hamas recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept past agreements before ties can be re-established.

That was the view that apparently prevailed on Monday.

On Monday in Gaza City, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh again failed to agree on the formation of a unity government. Government spokesman Ghazi Hamad said there would be another meeting today, where the two men planned to discuss the crucial issue of who would be interior minister, controlling security forces.