In a significant move that could have dire consequences for Palestinians in Gaza, the United States is set to cut off funding for the main U.N. agency providing aid to the region under a spending agreement expected to pass Congress this weekend. This decision, part of a larger spending bill, would create a funding shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), jeopardizing crucial assistance for Gazans facing hunger, displacement, and other crises.
The suspension of funding, planned through March 2025, follows allegations that at least 12 UNRWA employees participated in an attack on southern Israel led by Hamas. The U.S. government, along with key lawmakers, supported a previous pause in funding after these accusations surfaced in January. Senator James Risch of Idaho, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that taxpayer dollars should not support UNRWA in light of these serious allegations.
The loss of American funding has left U.S. allies scrambling to ensure that aid continues to flow to Gaza. UNRWA, which relies heavily on U.S. contributions, may struggle to deliver essential services without this support. While some countries have pledged to renew funding for the agency, others are seeking alternatives amidst concerns about ties between UNRWA employees and militant groups in Gaza.
As Washington explores other options for aid distribution, the World Food Program has been proposed as a potential substitute for UNRWA. However, this organization has far fewer staff members in Gaza compared to UNRWA, posing challenges for a smooth transition of services. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with warnings of imminent famine and ongoing violence hampering aid distribution efforts.
Despite the push by some European nations to restore funding for UNRWA, questions remain about the agency’s ability to reform and address concerns about employee conduct. European countries have outlined conditions for future funding, including increased oversight and transparency measures within UNRWA. The agency’s willingness to cooperate with these requirements will likely determine the extent of international support moving forward.
In the midst of these developments, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure aid reaches those most in need. As the situation unfolds, the fate of UNRWA and the millions of Palestinians it serves hangs in the balance, with implications that extend far beyond the borders of Gaza.