Spain opposes proposed suspension of EU aid to Palestinian territories

Spain’s Acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, says the country has opposed the proposed suspension of European Union aid to Palestinian territory.

Mr Manuel Albares believes that the Palestinian territories would require greater assistance in the near future as a result of Hamas’ Saturday attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

“This cooperation must continue; we cannot confuse Hamas, which is in the list of EU’s terrorist groups, with the Palestinian population, or the Palestinian Authority or the United Nation’s organisations on the ground,” Albares told a news conference.

After European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi stated on Monday on social media site X that all payments had been frozen, EU foreign ministers will meet to discuss the situation.

Varhelyi’s claim was refuted by the European Commission, which claimed that payments had not been halted and that aid to the Palestinian territories was only being reviewed.

Despite the fact that some nations, such as Austria, have announced the suspension of financing to Palestinian areas, others, such as Spain, believe that the aid flow is critical for the civilian population.

According to the minister, the country is preparing a military plane to transport Spaniards who wish to leave Israel.

In the meantime, several international airlines have decreased or suspended service to Tel Aviv, affecting hundreds of flights.

Air Europa, a Spanish carrier, canceled a flight to Israel scheduled on Tuesday and expects to reconsider flying beginning Wednesday.