The United States has formally urged international donors to cease UNRWA funding, labeling the organization a "subsidiary of Hamas." During a recent pledging conference, U.S. officials argued that the agency is compromised by terrorist infiltration, proposing that financial support be redirected to the U.S.-backed Board of Peace to ensure more accountable governance in Gaza.
Why is the US opposing UNRWA?
The United States argues that UNRWA has become deeply compromised by Hamas, citing allegations that agency employees participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel. Officials claim the agency indoctrinates children in hatred and glorifies terrorism. Consequently, the U.S. is pushing for a shift in financial support toward the Board of Peace, a body designed to oversee transitional governance and long-term development in Gaza without the alleged ties to militant groups.
How is the UN responding to the dispute?
The United Nations maintains that UNRWA remains essential for delivering humanitarian aid, emphasizing that the agency operates under a specific mandate from the General Assembly. UN officials argue that they have taken strong action when presented with evidence of infiltration. While the U.S. seeks to defund the agency, key allies including the United Kingdom and France have reiterated their support, calling UNRWA indispensable for providing services to Palestinian refugees across the region.
