A coalition of Democratic representatives has introduced a bill to restore U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees. The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024, led by Representatives Pramila Jayapal, André Carson, and Jan Schakowsky, aims to reverse the pause on U.S. aid that was implemented earlier this year.
UNRWA has been vital in providing essential services such as food, healthcare, and education to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The U.S. has historically been one of the agency’s largest donors, but funding was halted in January after accusations that 12 UNRWA employees in Gaza were involved in an attack by Hamas in October 2023.
During a press briefing, Congresswoman Jayapal highlighted the critical role of UNRWA in averting further humanitarian crises in Gaza. She warned, “Revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of U.S. funding.”
Carson reinforced this message, urging support for the bill based on humanitarian grounds and noting UNRWA’s strides toward accountability and transparency. “It’s past time we restore funding and save lives,” he stated.
The agency has faced escalating challenges since funding was cut, worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza. UN reports indicate severe shortages of food and hygiene supplies, with nearly 1 million people at risk of lacking basic necessities. UNRWA remains a crucial aid provider, particularly as Gaza endures widespread displacement and malnutrition due to ongoing conflict.
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, defended the agency’s operations in Gaza while acknowledging the serious funding shortfalls and obstacles to delivering aid. Since the onset of violence on October 7, 193 UNRWA staff members have lost their lives, illustrating the dangerous conditions under which the agency works.
Lazzarini also expressed concerns regarding Israeli efforts to undermine UNRWA, alleging that Israel is pursuing legislative actions to dismantle the agency’s operations. He claimed that Israel has threatened to expel UNRWA staff from its Jerusalem compound and label the organization as a terrorist entity. The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva quickly refuted Lazzarini’s assertions, highlighting the tense environment in which UNRWA operates.
The bill is timely, as other nations—including the European Union, Canada, and Japan—have resumed their contributions to UNRWA. Congresswoman Schakowsky emphasized that UNRWA is the “backbone” of the humanitarian response in Gaza and stressed the necessity of reinstating U.S. financial support. “The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” she asserted.
Human rights organizations and advocacy groups are backing the bill, underscoring that restoring funds is essential for alleviating the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of J Street, remarked that U.S. funding is crucial for both Palestinian welfare and Israeli security.
The legislation seeks to terminate the congressionally mandated pause on aid and encourages the U.S. to take a more active role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Advocates argue that without this vital funding, the region will face increased instability and deteriorating living conditions for millions of Palestinians.
The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 is currently under review in Congress, with supporters optimistic that the U.S. will soon reengage in international efforts to provide humanitarian relief to the Palestinian population.
