Vox, Spain’s right-wing political party, has renewed its call for the European Union (EU) to immediately cease funding the UNRWA, the UN’s refugee agency that provides services and aid exclusively to Palestinians, and demands that the agency is designated as a terrorist organisation.
This latest push comes from Member of the conservative Spanish Vox party’s politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jorge Martín Frías. It follows a similar request made in October. The conservative Spanish party reasoned that the UNRWA employs individuals with proven ties to Hamas, reports The Jerusalem Post.
Frías urged the European Commission to show „clarity and determination” in addressing what he described as UNRWA’s „ongoing relationship with the terrorist group Hamas.”
In a video statement, Martín Frías accused the EU of enabling an environment of hatred toward Israel by supporting UNRWA’s educational programs. „It is unacceptable that, year after year, the European Union continues to channel hundreds of millions of euros to an organisation that not only harbours Hamas members but also promotes an environment of hatred toward Israel,” he said. Martín Frías also pointed out the UNRWA’s involvement in October 7.
Controversy has been surrounding UNRWA in recent years, especially since October 7. There are ongoing debates within the EU over the agency’s role and oversight in the Palestinian territories.
Right-wing parties, such as Vox, argue for halting support, claiming that UNRWA’s programs indirectly foster radicalisation and support groups like Hamas, while many centrist and left-leaning European parties support continued funding, emphasising the agency’s role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.
Despite calls from some European officials to suspend funding to UNRWA, EU High Representative Josep Borrell recently approved more than 82 million euros in support.
Last week, despite widespread international pressure, the Israeli Knesset approved laws barring UNRWA from Israel and limiting it in Gaza and the West Bank.
Photo credit: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters
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