The EU urged to stop funding UNWRA

Vox, Spain’s right-wing political party, has renewed its appeal to the European Union (EU). immediately stop funding UNRWA and to designate the agency as a terrorist organization.

This demand follows a similar request made on October 11, with the latest push coming from Jorge Martín Frías, Member of the European Parliament (MEP). In a parliamentary question, Martín Frías urged the European Commission to show “clarity and determination” in tackling what he described as UNRWA’s “ongoing relationship with the terrorist group Hamas.”

The conservative Vox party alleged that UNRWA employs individuals linked to Hamas. the terrorist group that rules Gaza.

In a video statement, Martín Frías accused the EU of enabling a climate of hatred towards Israel by supporting UNRWA’s education programs. “It is unacceptable that the European Union continues to channel hundreds of millions of euros year after year to an organization that not only harbors Hamas members but also promotes a climate of hatred against Israel,” he said.

Martín Frías specifically pointed to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, claiming that certain UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

THE SIGN at UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City has been damaged during the ongoing war. The writer says: This UN agency deserves every sanction – it is corrupt, its actions encouraged terror and some of its employees were directly involved on October 7. Yet it offers healthcare, education, etc. (credit: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters)

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

Context and background: Israel’s position on UNRWA

Vox’s demands reflect Israel’s recent actions to restrict UNRWA’s activities within its borders. On October 28, the Knesset approved 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 governing coalition and supported by opposition lawmakers, aim to end UNRWA’s services in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. The legislation also bans any Israeli official from contacting UNRWA representatives while plans are formulated to replace the agency’s services with Israeli-run alternatives in these areas.

The Knesset’s decision has sparked international reactions, including concerns from several Western countries. A joint statement from the foreign ministers of Canada, Australia and several European countries urged Israel to reconsider, warning that the legislation could impact humanitarian efforts amid increased conflict in Gaza.

The US, a strong supporter of UNRWA, also expressed concern, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken warning Israel that the move could impact US support.

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European political division over the financing of UNRWA

UNRWA’s activities remain a controversial issue within the EU. Right-wing parties, such as Vox, are calling for an end to the support, claiming that UNRWA’s programs indirectly promote radicalization and support groups such as Hamas.

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

In his statement, Martín Frías called on the EU to take “a strong position” to protect European values and strengthen security in the region. Vox has pledged to continue pressure on the European Commission to end funding for UNRWA, claiming that “every euro allocated to UNRWA is a betrayal” of European security interests.

Eliav Breuer contributed to this report.