Esquerra congressman Francesc-Marc Álvaro has voiced his concern about the situation, emphasizing that UNRWA’s work is now more crucial than ever

Following the achievement of the agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza, the State of Israel has begun to enforce the order to evict UNRWA from the occupied Palestinian territories. This act contravening international law poses a direct threat to humanitarian aid and the fundamental rights of the Palestinian population.

Esquerra congressman Francesc-Marc Álvaro has expressed his concern about this situation, stating that “UNRWA’s work is more important than ever. In the first 10 days after the ceasefire, UNRWA has provided food packages to over a million people in Gaza. This demonstrates the urgent need for humanitarian aid, which is being severely hampered by the Israeli blockade.”

Mr Álvaro stressed that more than 80% of the population of Gaza depends on UNRWA to cover their basic needs and warned of the dangers of a possible increase in the humanitarian crisis: “It must be recalled that for months the basic needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza have not been met due to Israel blocking access of humanitarian aid.”

This situation is made worse by the possible implementation of plans for the forcible expulsion of the Palestinian population by the new United States administration, which according to Mr Álvaro may be a violation of the Geneva Convention: “If these plans come about, we would be facing a grave violation of international law, which might constitute a crime against humanity.”

In addition to the serious humanitarian consequences, Esquerra’s member of the Spanish Congress highlighted that the expulsion of UNRWA from the occupied Palestinian territories contravenes the duties of UN member states: “This action weakens the multilateral system and endangers the humanitarian personnel working at UNRWA. If it comes into effect, it would be the first expulsion of a United Nations agency imposed by a member state.”

Francesc-Marc Álvaro urged the Spanish government to take decisive measures to protect human rights and guarantee the response to the humanitarian emergency. In this regard, he asked the Spanish government if it intends to lead any international action to compel Israel to observe its international duties and allow UNRWA operations in Palestine, as well as questioning what plan it has for the reconstruction of Gaza and the protection of the United Nations system against potential crimes against humanity.

Mr Álvaro concluded that “It is necessary for the Spanish State to adopt a clear position in the defence of human rights and to guarantee compliance with the rulings of the International Criminal Court on the occupied Palestinian territories.”