US officials are preparing for a potential permanent pause on funding for the main UN agency for Palestinians, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This pause comes amid opposition in Congress, despite the Biden administration’s assertion that UNRWA’s humanitarian work is crucial.
The funding suspension began in January, along with more than a dozen countries, after Israel accused 12 UNRWA employees in Gaza of participating in a deadly Hamas attack on October 7. UNRWA has since launched an investigation into the allegations and fired some staff based on information provided by Israel.
UN Relief Agency for Palestinians (Credits: The Times of Israel)
The United States, as the largest donor to UNRWA, providing $300-$400 million annually, has stated that it wants to see the results of the investigation and corrective actions taken before considering resuming funding.
Even if the pause is lifted, only about $300,000 of already appropriated funds would be released to UNRWA, and further funding would require congressional approval.
Bipartisan opposition in Congress makes it unlikely that the US will resume regular donations to UNRWA anytime soon, despite other countries like Sweden and Canada planning to restart their contributions.
UN Relief Agency for Palestinians (Credits: Middle East Monitor)
A US congressional bill that includes military aid to Israel and Ukraine contains a provision that would block UNRWA from receiving funds if it becomes law.
US officials acknowledge UNRWA’s critical role in distributing aid in Gaza, which has been severely affected by Israel’s assault over the past five months.
While Washington is considering working with other humanitarian partners on the ground, such as UNICEF and the World Food Program, to continue aid distribution, they recognize that UNRWA is uniquely equipped to handle this role due to its longstanding work, distribution networks, and history in Gaza.
