Spain will continue funding UNRWA, although it will closely monitor the ongoing internal investigation

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Alberes, confirmed this Monday that Spain will maintain financing for the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), after various countries have withdrawn cooperation following allegations against a dozen staff. Who allegedly collaborated with Hamas in October. 7 attacks.

Albares indicated, “We will not be altering our relationship with UNRWA, although we are closely monitoring the internal investigation and the consequences arising from the actions of a dozen of the approximately 30,000 people who work for the agency.” ”

This Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked countries that have withdrawn their contributions to reconsider their decision to ensure that the aid operation in Gaza continues.

“Two million civilians in Gaza depend on the vital assistance provided by UNRWA for their daily survival,” Guterres said. The Secretary said that the current funding level is no longer sufficient even for the next month.

The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland and Australia, as well as France, announced the suspension of funding to UNRWA this weekend. These countries include Austria, which announced it was withdrawing financing this Monday.

Following the decision to triple cooperation and humanitarian assistance to Palestine, the Spanish Government made a voluntary contribution of 18.5 million euros to UNRWA in 2023, including the 10 million euros approved last December.

Recognition of Palestinian state

In the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Congress of Deputies, Albarés also demanded that all parties support the recognition of the Palestinian state as the best guarantee for Israel’s security under the argument that no one can face death. Can’t see the other side”. Civilians in Gaza Strip.

He called on all members to speak “clearly about the need for recognition of Palestinian statehood and the realization of a two-state solution” during their upcoming debate.

“No one in this room can look away when so many thousands of civilians are dying in the Gaza Strip,” said Alberes, who once again called for an immediate ceasefire as well as the release of all hostages. Is. Of Hamas.

The minister again defended, saying, “The establishment of a realistic and viable Palestinian state is the best guarantee for Israel’s security and the peace of the region.” He stressed, “The hope of the Palestinian people for a Palestinian state is deeply intertwined with the security of the Israeli people.”