The Palestinian Prime Minister (PM), Mohammad Mustafa, on Sunday (3/11) urged the European Parliament to face Israel’s decision to prohibit the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Mustafa met a European Parliament delegation at his office in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, according to a statement by the prime minister’s office.
He urged the delegation to confront Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA from operating which is politically aimed at erasing the right of Palestinian refugees to return and worsening humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories.
On October 28, 92 of the 120 members of the Knesset (Israel’s parliament), voted in favor of banning UNRWA activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. This is a move that has been condemned by many European and Western countries and international organizations.
Israel accused several UNRWA employees of involvement in cross-border attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, 2023 under the pretext that the agency’s educational programs promoted terrorism and hatred.
UNRWA, which is headquartered in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, denies the accusations and insists it remains neutral, and focuses only on support for refugees.
Since the Hamas attack last October, Israel has continued to launch devastating attacks on Gaza, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.
More than 43,300 people were killed, mostly women and children, and more than 102,000 others were injured, according to local health authorities.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its actions in Gaza. (Ant/Z-2)
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**Interview with Dr. Clara Mezzanotte, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mezzanotte. Italy recently announced a resumption of funding for UNRWA, allocating €5 million, along with an additional €30 million for its “Food for Gaza” initiative. What does this financial commitment indicate about Italy’s stance on the Palestinian situation?
**Dr. Mezzanotte:** Thank you for having me. Italy’s decision signals a clear willingness to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine, particularly amidst heightened tensions in the region. This funding is crucial, especially given the growing needs of Gazans who are facing severe food insecurity and humanitarian challenges. By committing these resources, Italy reinforces its role within the broader European effort to address international humanitarian crises.
**Interviewer:** In light of this funding announcement, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has urged the European Parliament to oppose Israel’s actions that limit UNRWA’s operations. How do you see this tension playing out in the European political landscape?
**Dr. Mezzanotte:** It’s a complicated situation. The European Parliament has historically been supportive of Palestinian rights, and this call from Prime Minister Mustafa emphasizes the urgent need for a united European response to Israel’s prohibitive actions against UNRWA. If Italy and other EU nations continue to advocate for humanitarian funding while also addressing these political constraints, we may see shifts in how the EU formulates its Middle East policy. However, many EU member states are cautious about openly confronting Israel due to diplomatic ties and security concerns.
**Interviewer:** With these dynamics at play, what might be the next steps for both Italy and the European Parliament regarding support for Palestine, considering the current political landscape?
**Dr. Mezzanotte:** Italy could push for a coordinated EU response that combines humanitarian aid with advocacy for Palestinian rights and UNRWA’s operational independence. We might see increased dialogue within the European Parliament, possibly leading to resolutions that address the humanitarian situation while also calling for a reassessment of Israel’s policies towards UNRWA. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between humanitarian support and political accountability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Mezzanotte, for your insights. It’s clear that the intersection of humanitarian aid and politics in this region remains complex and critical.
**Dr. Mezzanotte:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Palestine deserves ongoing attention and thoughtful engagement from the international community.
