US Signals Potential End to UNRWA Funding Amid Congressional Divide
US officials are bracing for a potentially permanent cessation of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the face of staunch opposition from Congress. This pause was initially instituted in January after Israel accused a fraction of UNRWA employees in Gaza of involvement in a deadly attack. Despite these challenges, the Biden Administration continues to emphasize the indispensable role of UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts.
Israel’s allegations against UNRWA staff members have led to a broader inquiry by the UN and subsequent actions by the agency, including the termination of certain personnel. The US, traditionally the largest donor to UNRWA with annual contributions ranging between $300 and $400 million, has expressed its intention to await the outcomes of this investigation and any corrective measures before considering the resumption of its financial support.
However, the path to renewing substantial aid is obstructed by bipartisan resistance within Congress, casting doubt on the US’s ability to reinstate regular contributions to UNRWA. This resistance is evident in a supplemental funding bill backed by the Biden Administration, which, if passed, would explicitly prohibit funding to UNRWA.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted the “critical role” UNRWA plays, particularly in Gaza, where the agency’s longstanding operations and networks are unparalleled in their capacity to deliver aid. Acknowledging the difficulty in replacing UNRWA, the US is exploring partnerships with other humanitarian organizations like UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP) to fill the void left by the funding halt.
