Detention of the Spanish aid worker Juana Ruiz Sánchez and other HWC staff by Israel
28.4.2021
Question for written answer E-002277/2021/rev.1
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Idoia Villanueva Ruiz (The Left)
On 13 April the Spanish citizen Juana Ruiz Sánchez, who has been living in Palestine for 35 years and is a project coordinator working for the health organisation ‘Health Work Committees’ (HWC), was arrested by the Israeli army. Since then she has been detained without trial, charge or evidence, a legal act contrary to international law, just like Taisir Abu Sharbak and Saíd Abdat from the NGO’s accounting team before her. These arrests might indicate that Israel is investigating some potential crime linked to the financing of HWC, an entity financed by Spanish cooperation aid whose projects are subject to public accountability.
- 1.What representations has the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy made to Israel to demand the immediate release of Juana Ruiz Sánchez, Taisir Abu Sharbak and Saíd Abdat?
- 2.What representations has the High Representative made to Israel to prevent the arrests, destruction of material and other actions by Israel against NGOs, such as HWC, which carry out preventive and healthcare work financed by EU and Member State funds?
- 3.What representations has the High Representative made to Israel to urge that it comply with international law and prevent detention without charge or trial?