UN Palestinian Rights Committee 12d ago

Alys Samson Estapé speaking at the 2026 UN Palestine Committee engagement with European Civil Society Organizations in Brussels on 6 May 2026, conveyed “a clear message from Spanish civil society” stressing “the urgent need to sanction Israel,” arguing that sustained grassroots mobilization has been key in shaping Spain’s evolving position. She highlighted that while the Spanish government has taken some steps, including limiting certain military ties, “it is not enough,” noting that Spain still maintains “military economic and diplomatic ties with Israel,” which she asserted contradict international legal obligations. Emphasizing consistency between rhetoric and action, she called for stronger measures, including suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement, enforcing “an arms embargo,” and moving toward broader sanctions, underscoring that “states must not assist these crimes” and must instead act to “prevent and end genocide and apartheid.” The speech underscored the central role of civil society in driving accountability, pointing to widespread activism across Spain—from protests and boycotts to legal action—as evidence that “international solidarity and activism drive change.” Framing the issue within wider struggles against “colonial racist violence” and systemic injustice, Estapé stressed that “neutrality is not an option” and that “condemnation without action is complicity.” She concluded with a call for continued mobilization, asserting that activists will persist in “organizing, mobilizing, building pressure until all complicity ends,” and until governments take decisive action to achieve “justice” and freedom for Palestinians. More details: https://www.un.org/unispal/committee-engagement-with-european-civil-society-organisations-in-brussels-belgium-6-may-2026/