José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Foreign Minister, unequivocally affirmed Palestine’s sovereignty over Gaza, emphasizing that the territory belongs to the Palestinian people residing there. He firmly countered former US President Donald Trump’s suggestion of relocating Gaza’s inhabitants to Jordan and Egypt, a proposition that not only sparked widespread condemnation from both countries but also deviated significantly from established US foreign policy, which traditionally supported a two-state solution, a position also endorsed by the European Union. Albares underscored the necessity of supporting Gaza’s reconstruction and enabling its residents to rebuild their lives, emphasizing the international community’s role in providing humanitarian aid, UN-facilitated support, and crucial political backing. He also drew attention to the issue of violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, condemning the illegal settlements as violations of international law, a position consistently upheld by the United Nations.
Albares’s condemnation of illegal settlements highlights a critical point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These settlements, established on occupied Palestinian territory, are considered illegal under international law, specifically under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into the territory it occupies. The presence and expansion of settlements are frequently cited as major obstacles to peace, contributing to fragmentation of Palestinian land, displacement of Palestinian communities, and heightening tensions in the region. Albares’s emphasis on this issue reflects the broader international concern over the impact of settlements on the prospects for a two-state solution and lasting peace.
The Spanish Foreign Minister also criticized certain European nations for their willingness to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite an outstanding International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him. This criticism underscores a perceived inconsistency in Europe’s approach to upholding international law, particularly concerning Palestine. Albares questioned Europe’s commitment to defending international law in the context of the Palestinian issue, given the contrasting stances taken by different member states. He advocated for greater unity within the EU, urging a more independent and values-driven foreign policy approach, less influenced by external pressures or opinions. He specifically highlighted the importance of upholding principles of equal sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the EU’s need to maintain a consistent and principled stance in its international relations.
The call for a more unified and principled European foreign policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects a growing debate within the EU regarding its role in the region. While some member states maintain close ties with Israel, others have been more critical of its policies, particularly concerning the treatment of Palestinians. This internal divergence often hampers the EU’s ability to project a unified and effective voice on the international stage, potentially diminishing its influence in mediating the conflict and promoting a peaceful resolution. Albares’s remarks, therefore, represent a call for greater coherence and consistency within the EU’s approach, urging a stronger emphasis on adherence to international law and the promotion of human rights.
Furthermore, Albares emphasized the crucial role of UNRWA, the UN agency dedicated to assisting Palestinian refugees, urging continued European support for the organization. This is particularly significant given Israel’s calls for UNRWA to cease operations in Jerusalem, a move that would severely impact the delivery of essential services to Palestinian refugees in the city. UNRWA provides critical assistance in areas such as education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees, and its continued operation is considered essential by many in the international community, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by Palestinians.
Finally, Albares’s comments arrived amidst a fragile ceasefire in Gaza following a prolonged period of conflict. While the ceasefire offers a respite from violence, it underlines the precarious nature of the situation and the ongoing need for international engagement to address the root causes of the conflict and build a sustainable peace. His emphasis on the need for reconstruction assistance and political support reflects the understanding that a lasting solution requires not just an end to hostilities but also a concerted effort to address the underlying political, economic, and social issues that fuel the conflict. The international community’s role in supporting these efforts remains crucial, as does the need for a unified and principled European approach that upholds international law and promotes a just and sustainable resolution.
