Palestinians and UN workers examine the destroyed makeshift tents and shelters after Israeli attack hits a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) school, killing and injuring many in Nuseirat Refugee Camp of Deir al-Balah, Gaza on July 15, 2024.
In a powerful display of solidarity with the Palestinian people, Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, reaffirmed Madrid’s steadfast commitment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) during a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Joined by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman H. Safadi, Albares underscored that Spain’s support for the agency is “unwavering” and emphasized that there is “no alternative” to UNRWA’s critical role in providing humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinian refugees. His remarks come at a time when the agency faces unprecedented challenges, including funding shortages and targeted attacks on its personnel and infrastructure, amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other regions where UNRWA operates.
Spain’s Financial Commitment: A Beacon of Hope
During the press conference, Albares announced that Spain has contributed over €60 million (approximately $65 million) to UNRWA since late 2023, demonstrating a robust financial commitment to the agency’s operations. Furthermore, he pledged an additional €10 million (approximately $10.8 million), which will bring Spain’s total assistance to Palestinian refugees to €150 million (approximately $162 million) by 2026. This significant investment reflects Spain’s recognition of UNRWA’s indispensable role in addressing the dire humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
“Mobilization of much-needed funds is right now the priority for all of us,” Albares declared. “We cannot allow, we cannot afford, UNRWA to collapse.” His words carry weight in a context where the agency’s financial stability has been repeatedly threatened by funding cuts from some countries and the broader politicization of its work. The collapse of UNRWA, Albares warned, would have catastrophic consequences for the millions of Palestinians who rely on its services for survival, including access to food, healthcare, education, and shelter.
Spain’s contributions are not merely financial but also symbolic, signaling to the international community the importance of sustaining UNRWA’s operations. Albares emphasized that the agency must emerge “reinforced” from the current challenges, a sentiment echoed by Lazzarini and Safadi, who both highlighted the urgent need for global solidarity to protect UNRWA’s mandate. The Spanish government’s pledge is a call to action for other nations to step up their support, ensuring that UNRWA can continue its work without interruption.
UNRWA’s Vital Role in Supporting Palestinian Refugees
UNRWA, established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly, was created in response to the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Palestinian Nakba, or “Catastrophe,” when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes following the establishment of the state of Israel. Today, the agency serves approximately 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees across five key regions: Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Its mandate includes providing humanitarian aid and protection, with programs focused on education, healthcare, social services, and emergency assistance.
In Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has deteriorated dramatically since October 7, 2023, UNRWA’s role has become even more critical. The agency operates schools, health clinics, and food distribution centers, serving as a lifeline for a population grappling with the devastating impacts of conflict, displacement, and famine. In the West Bank, UNRWA supports refugees facing economic hardship and restrictions on movement due to the Israeli occupation. In Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, the agency provides essential services to Palestinian refugees living in often precarious conditions, including those displaced by the ongoing Syrian civil war and economic crises in Lebanon.
UNRWA’s work is not without challenges. The agency operates in politically complex and volatile environments, where its staff and facilities are frequently caught in the crossfire of conflict. Since October 2023, the situation in Gaza has been particularly dire, with Israel’s military offensive resulting in the deaths of over 65,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. The campaign has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, with hospitals, schools, and residential areas reduced to rubble. Famine looms over the enclave, exacerbating the suffering of its 2.3 million residents, nearly all of whom are now dependent on humanitarian aid.
Condemning Attacks on Humanitarian Workers
In his remarks, Albares was unequivocal in condemning attacks on humanitarian workers and their facilities, a recurring issue that has severely hampered UNRWA’s ability to deliver aid. “Spain will continue to strongly condemn all targeted attacks aimed at humanitarian workers and their facilities,” he stated, highlighting the need to protect those who risk their lives to provide assistance in conflict zones. Since the onset of the latest escalation in Gaza, UNRWA has reported the deaths of numerous staff members and the destruction of its facilities, including schools and clinics, in Israeli airstrikes.
These attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with human rights organizations accusing Israel of violating international humanitarian law by targeting civilian infrastructure. UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, has repeatedly called for investigations into these incidents, stressing that humanitarian workers must be protected under international law. The loss of UNRWA personnel not only undermines the agency’s operational capacity but also sends a chilling message to those working on the frontlines of the crisis.
Spain’s condemnation of these attacks aligns with its broader foreign policy stance, which emphasizes the importance of international law, human rights, and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. By taking a firm stand against attacks on humanitarian workers, Spain is reinforcing its role as a principled actor on the global stage, advocating for accountability and justice in the face of violations.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Call for Urgent Action
The press conference at UN headquarters came at a critical juncture, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military offensive, launched in response to attacks by Palestinian militants, has unleashed unprecedented destruction on the Gaza Strip. The death toll, which has surpassed 65,000, includes a significant number of women and children, according to local authorities. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, and essential infrastructure, including water, electricity, and sanitation systems, has been decimated.
The blockade imposed on Gaza has severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid, exacerbating food insecurity and pushing the population to the brink of famine. UNRWA, as the primary humanitarian agency operating in the enclave, has struggled to meet the overwhelming demand for assistance. Its food distribution centers are overwhelmed, and its health clinics are operating at reduced capacity due to shortages of medical supplies and fuel. The agency has also faced logistical challenges, with aid convoys frequently delayed or denied entry by Israeli authorities.
The international community’s response to the crisis has been mixed. While some countries, like Spain, have increased their support for UNRWA, others have reduced or suspended funding, often citing political concerns or allegations of misconduct by the agency. These funding cuts have placed additional strain on UNRWA’s operations, threatening its ability to deliver aid to those who need it most. Albares’ call for the mobilization of funds is a direct response to this challenge, urging donor countries to prioritize humanitarian needs over political considerations.
Spain’s Leadership in Supporting Palestinian Refugees
Spain’s commitment to UNRWA is part of a broader effort to address the plight of Palestinian refugees and advocate for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The country has consistently supported a two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security. Spain’s contributions to UNRWA reflect this commitment, as the agency’s work is seen as essential to maintaining stability and hope for millions of Palestinians who have been displaced for generations.
In addition to its financial support, Spain has played an active role in diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. Albares has engaged with counterparts in the Middle East and Europe to build coalitions in support of UNRWA and to push for an end to the violence in Gaza. Spain has also supported UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians, aligning itself with other European nations that advocate for a humanitarian approach to the conflict.
The partnership between Spain, UNRWA, and Jordan, as highlighted during the press conference, underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. Jordan, which hosts one of the largest populations of Palestinian refugees, has been a key ally in supporting UNRWA’s operations. Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated Jordan’s commitment to the agency, emphasizing its role in preserving the rights and dignity of Palestinian refugees.
The Broader Context: UNRWA’s Challenges and the Path Forward
UNRWA’s work has always been fraught with challenges, given the politically charged nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The agency has faced criticism from some quarters, particularly from Israel, which has accused UNRWA of perpetuating the refugee issue and, in some cases, aiding militant groups. These allegations have been strongly refuted by UNRWA and its supporters, who argue that the agency’s work is strictly humanitarian and essential to addressing the consequences of a conflict that has yet to be resolved.
Funding has been a perennial issue for UNRWA, which relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions from UN member states. In recent years, the agency has faced significant financial shortfalls, exacerbated by the decision of some countries, including the United States under the Trump administration, to cut funding. While the Biden administration restored some of this funding, the agency’s budget remains precarious, particularly in light of the escalating needs in Gaza.
Spain’s pledge to increase its contributions to UNRWA is a step in the right direction, but it is clear that more is needed to ensure the agency’s sustainability. Albares’ call for UNRWA to emerge “reinforced” from the current crisis reflects an understanding that the agency’s role extends beyond immediate humanitarian aid. By providing education, healthcare, and social services, UNRWA helps to preserve the dignity and resilience of Palestinian refugees, offering them hope for a better future.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Global Solidarity
The press conference at UN headquarters served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity in addressing the Palestinian refugee crisis. As the situation in Gaza deteriorates and the needs of Palestinian refugees in other regions grow, UNRWA’s role has never been more critical. Spain’s leadership in supporting the agency sets an example for other nations, demonstrating that humanitarian principles must take precedence in times of crisis.
The international community now faces a choice: to rally behind UNRWA and ensure that it has the resources to continue its work, or to risk the collapse of an agency that millions of Palestinians depend on for survival. Albares’ words—“we cannot afford UNRWA to collapse”—resonate as both a warning and a call to action. The consequences of inaction would be devastating, not only for Palestinian refugees but for the stability of the entire region.
As Spain continues to champion UNRWA’s cause, it is incumbent upon other nations to follow suit. The agency’s work is not just about providing aid; it is about upholding the fundamental rights of a people who have endured decades of displacement and hardship. By standing with UNRWA, the international community can send a powerful message of hope and solidarity to Palestinian refugees, affirming that they are not forgotten.
Conclusion
Spain’s unwavering support for UNRWA, as articulated by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, represents a beacon of hope in a time of immense suffering for Palestinian refugees. With its significant financial contributions and vocal advocacy, Spain is playing a leading role in ensuring that UNRWA can continue its vital work. The agency’s survival is not just a matter of humanitarian aid; it is a testament to the international community’s commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights. As the crisis in Gaza and beyond deepens, the world must heed Spain’s call to action, mobilizing the resources and political will needed to sustain UNRWA and support the millions of Palestinians who depend on it.
