The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, called on Israel this Wednesday to “differentiate Hamas from the Palestinian people and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA),” while stating that it must distinguish “in everything moment between terrorist targets and the civilian population”.
In his speech before the plenary session of the European Parliament on behalf of the current Spanish Presidency of the EU, the minister reiterated once again Israel’s right to defend itself from the “brutal” attack perpetrated last week by the Islamic terrorist group “with scrupulous respect for international humanitarian law”. In addition, the Spanish minister demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of the hostages that the armed wing of the Islamist movement Hamas has in its possession.
In this context, Albares added that “humanitarian principles must be affirmed at this time with the same clarity and forcefulness” with which the condemnation of terrorism and Israel’s right to defend itself are expressed. “Precisely that is what distinguishes peace-loving nations from terrorists. Hamas must be differentiated from the Palestinian people and the Palestinian National Authority (…) The Palestinian National Authority has long been our partner for peace.” peace, Europe’s partner for peace, Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people,” he stressed.
The head of Spanish diplomacy pointed out that “the civilian population cannot be a victim” and stressed that “in the face of this very serious situation, Europe has to be faithful to its principles by supporting the fight against terrorism” and “acting to help the civil population”.
Regarding the attack on the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza that has caused at least 500 deaths, Albares emphasized that “hospitals and civilians cannot be a target” and added that “the suffering of the civilian population of Gaza must end.” .
In the same way, he stated that “the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people” cannot be accepted and called for “allowing humanitarian aid access to Gaza” and guaranteeing access to basic supplies such as water, electricity, food or medicine.
“We must avoid at all costs the worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” he insisted, and then recalled that the EU’s international partners are waiting “for European voice and action to be raised for this purpose.” Consequently, he argued that European aid and cooperation to the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian people “must not only be discontinued but reformed.” That is why he celebrated the announcement by the European Commission to triple its aid to Palestine and recalled that Spain is going to increase its contribution this year by 4 million, to reach a total of 21 million in 2023.
