Biden Administration Reverses Trump’s Decision
The United States will no longer provide voluntary or involuntary contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or any related entity, according to a recent bill. This decision by the Biden administration marks a reversal of the Trump administration’s move to cut funding to the group. Critics argue that UNRWA, which aims to provide humanitarian aid, is effectively a branch of Hamas.
Accusations of Ties to Hamas
Concerns regarding UNRWA’s connections to Hamas have intensified in recent weeks. The Biden administration received a dossier containing information about how UNRWA staffers supported or assisted Hamas terror attacks. In response to these allegations, the administration announced additional funding for UNRWA.
International Boycott and Termination of Staffers
The accusations have led Germany, Italy, Australia, Finland, Netherlands, and Switzerland to join the boycott against UNRWA. Multiple staffers have already been terminated. However, White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, urged caution when evaluating UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the significant number of employees involved in Gaza alone.
Previous Scrutiny and Controversy
Prior to the recent Hamas attack, UNRWA had faced criticism for allegedly failing to prevent aid from reaching Hamas terrorists. Reports suggest that UNRWA locations have housed Hamas activities and spread propaganda in schools. UNRWA schools have been accused of teaching children to hate Jewish people and glorify terrorism. The organization has acknowledged past incidents of distributing inciting material but claims to have taken measures to prevent such occurrences in 2021.
Congressional Action
Representative Smith, the Chair of the House Global Human Rights and International Organizations, plans to host a joint hearing to examine UNRWA’s mission and failures. Smith argues for a comprehensive, fact-based approach that conditions future funding on significant reform and restructuring of UNRWA.
Fox News Digital reached out to UNRWA and the Biden administration for comment but did not receive a response.