The Palestinian people require increased support from the European Union, not a reduction. This was the position voiced by Spanish Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albarez in a radio interview with Cadena SER, who argued that the EU must broaden its humanitarian assistance to Palestinians while clearly separating Hamas from the broader Palestinian population, who also face severe hardships and needs.
Speaking to EU foreign ministers on 10 October, Albarez underscored his intention to press for continued aid to Palestine, contending that withholding assistance would be counterproductive and would fail to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. He stressed that Palestinians live under significant fear of violence and further atrocities, and that relief efforts should be sustained to prevent further deterioration of living conditions and to support basic needs such as food, water, medical care, and shelter. The minister noted that humanitarian channels and aid delivery must be safeguarded even amid security challenges while maintaining clear recognition that violence by Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people as a whole. (Cadena SER)
Albarez also clarified that while Spain is evaluating various responses, the question of evacuating its citizens abroad had not been the topic of the ministerial meeting. Nonetheless, the government is actively organizing a military-airlift operation to repatriate 100 Spanish nationals who are currently in Israel for tourism or commercial purposes, ensuring their safe return while continuing to monitor the evolving security situation. (Cadena SER)
On 7 October, Hamas launched a large-scale assault, firing thousands of rockets toward Israeli targets and announcing the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In response to the aggression, Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency, and the government signaled a rapid mobilization of defensive and security measures. The international community watched closely as Arab-Israeli tensions intensified, prompting governments to revise diplomatic and humanitarian balances as they sought to protect civilians and preserve regional stability. (Cadena SER)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently announced that Israel was at war, with the Israel Defense Forces launching what it described as Operation Iron Swords against Hamas. The development set the stage for a potential period of sustained hostilities, raising concerns about civilian casualties, displacement, and the broader regional impact. Analysts emphasized the importance of proportional responses, public safety, and international coordination to mitigate suffering and uphold humanitarian corridors whenever possible. (Cadena SER)
Observers who previously tracked the region’s security dynamics cautioned that the conflict could escalate further, potentially extending beyond the immediate theater. They noted that the duration and intensity of any escalation would depend on multiple factors, including diplomatic pressure, regional alliances, and the ability of international actors to deliver aid while promoting de-escalation. In this light, the focus remained on protecting civilians, ensuring continued aid access, and pursuing pathways toward de-escalation and a return to negotiations where feasible. (Cadena SER)