Albares Urges EU to Defend Palestinian Representation at UN

Spain has condemned the U.S. decision to revoke visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials, calling it “unacceptable” and urging the European Union to take a leading role in defending Palestinian representation at the UN.

Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, told reporters ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen that it was unacceptable for the Palestinian delegation or Abbas himself to be barred from attending the UN General Assembly. He stressed that the EU must be at the forefront of defending their rights.

Albares emphasised the need for the EU to take more decisive action in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, stating that “the time for words is over; it is now time for action.” He added that the EU can only engage with Israel on the basis of human rights and must act to prevent mass violations.

The Spanish-proposed action plan includes four key measures:

Impose an EU-wide arms embargo on sales to Israel;

Sanction anyone seeking to undermine the two-state solution;

Provide stronger financial support to the Palestinian National Authority;

Comply with all rulings and advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, halt trade in products from illegal settlements, and fully suspend the EU–Israel agreement.

Albares also stressed that the EU would implement this plan in accordance with its own legislation and international law and intends to continue pushing these initiatives forward.

Spain’s stance aims to send a clear message of support for Palestinian representation at the UN in response to the U.S. visa restrictions.

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