The U.S. State Department has issued a critical report to Congress regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which is known for providing aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The assessment concludes that UNRWA is “irredeemably compromised” and advocates for its full dismantlement. The urgency of this report follows a declaration made by the Trump administration earlier in 2025, which called for UNRWA to return any remaining unspent U.S. funds. While UNRWA’s Washington office has indicated a willingness to comply, the action has yet to be realized. Furthermore, the State Department has initiated efforts to withdraw U.S. involvement from all operational aspects of UNRWA at the United Nations.
Starting in January 2024, the U.S. suspended funding to UNRWA, cutting off financial support that had previously amounted to $1 billion since the Biden administration took office. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent push to entirely dissolve UNRWA has intensified scrutiny on the organization, pressuring both the U.N. and other key donor nations like Japan and Germany to evaluate UNRWA’s operational viability in light of allegations of corruption and links to terrorism.
Prominent figures in Israel have echoed the U.S. State Department’s concerns about UNRWA. Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant alleged in February 2024 that numerous UNRWA employees were implicated in attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7. Such accusations have been substantiated by Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, who contended that UNRWA should cease operations in Jerusalem entirely. Additionally, the U.N. took the unusual step of terminating nine UNRWA employees in August 2024 for their potential involvement in a Hamas-led massacre that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, including over 30 Americans.
The concerns surrounding UNRWA have gained traction internationally, with Israel’s Knesset taking a definitive stance by banning the agency, citing its alleged support for Hamas, which is classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. This sentiment resonates in Washington, where evidence has been provided that demonstrates UNRWA’s glorification of Palestinian terrorism and antisemitism. As these allegations surface, both the U.S. and Israel remain vigilant in calling for accountability and transparency from UNRWA.
Fox News Digital reached out to both the State Department and UNRWA for comments regarding the situation, but no responses were available at the time of reporting. The ongoing discourse surrounding UNRWA is emblematic of broader geopolitical tensions in the region, revealing the complexities of foreign aid, terrorism, and international governance. As pressure mounts for UNRWA’s dismantlement, the implications of such a move could be significant for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and beyond.
In conclusion, the U.S. State Department’s report marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny of UNRWA’s operations. With mounting evidence of its connection to terrorism and allegations of corruption, the call for the agency’s dissolution complicates the broader narrative of accountability in humanitarian aid. As the U.S. draws back its financial support and pressures allied nations to follow suit, the future of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians hangs in the balance amid political and ethical dilemmas.
