EU urged to stop funding UNWRA – Carswellfamilyfoundation

Vox, Spain’s right-wing political party, has again called on the European Union (EU) immediately stop funding UNRWA and declare the agency a terrorist organization.

This demand follows a similar request made on October 11, and the latest move comes from Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jorge Martin Frias. In a parliamentary question, Martin Frias called on the European Commission to show “clarity and determination” in addressing what he called “UNRWA’s ongoing relationship with the terrorist group Hamas”“

Conservative Party Vox said UNRWA was hiring people linked to Hamas. terrorist group ruling the Gaza Strip.

In a video message, Martin Frias accused the EU of creating a climate of hatred towards Israel by supporting UNRWA educational programs. “It is unacceptable that, year after year, the European Union continues to funnel hundreds of millions of euros to an organization that not only shelters Hamas members, but also promotes a climate of hatred towards Israel,” he said.

Martin Frias specifically pointed to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, saying that some UNRWA personnel were involved in the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

A SIGN at UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City has been damaged during the ongoing war. Author says: This UN agency deserves all the sanctions – it is corrupt, its actions encourage terror, and some of its employees were directly involved in the events of October 7th. However, it provides healthcare, education, etc. (Photo: Dawud Abu Alqas/Reuters)

The allegations, which UNRWA has denied, have sparked ongoing debate within the EU over the agency’s role and oversight in the Palestinian territories. Despite calls from some European officials to suspend funding for UNRWA, EU High Representative Josep Borrell recently approved more than 82 million euros in support, citing the agency’s crucial role in providing humanitarian aid.

Context and Background: Israel’s Position on UNRWA

Vox’s demands echo recent Israeli moves to restrict UNRWA activities within its borders. On October 28, the Knesset passed legislation to block UNRWA operations in areas under Israeli control, with lawmakers accusing the agency of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The bills, introduced by members of Israel’s ruling coalition and supported by opposition lawmakers, aim to cut off UNRWA services in east Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The legislation also prohibits any Israeli official from interacting with UNRWA officials while plans are underway to replace the agency’s services with Israeli-run alternatives in those areas.

The Knesset’s decision sparked international reaction, including concern from a number of Western countries. A joint statement by the foreign ministers of Canada, Australia and several European countries called on Israel to reconsider its decision, warning that the law could impact humanitarian efforts as the conflict in the Gaza Strip worsens.

The US, a strong supporter of UNRWA, also expressed concern, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Israel that the move could have implications for US support.

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European political divide over UNRWA funding

UNRWA operations remain a controversial topic within the EU. Right-wing parties such as Vox advocate ending support, arguing that UNRWA programs indirectly promote radicalization and support groups such as Hamas.

In contrast, many center and left-wing European parties support continued funding, emphasizing the agency’s role in providing basic services, including health care and education, to Palestinian refugees.

In a statement, Martin Frias called on the EU to take a “strong position” to defend European values and strengthen security in the region. Vox vowed to continue to pressure the European Commission to stop funding UNRWA, arguing that “every euro allocated to UNRWA is a betrayal” of Europe’s security interests.

Eliav Breuer contributed to this report.