The Trump administration is actively pursuing the dismantlement of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), citing allegations of the agency's association with terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Philippe Lazzarini © UN
The Trump administration is actively pursuing the dismantlement of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), citing allegations of the agency's association with terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Recent intelligence reports have indicated that approximately 10% of UNRWA's employees in Gaza have ties to these groups, with some staff members allegedly participating in the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In response to these concerns, President Donald Trump has announced the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the continuation of a funding freeze on UNRWA.
The administration is advocating for the establishment of a new, independent agency to provide transparent assistance to Palestinian refugees. Additionally, there is a push for the resignation of UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, due to allegations of bias against Israel and support for Palestinian groups.
Critics argue that dismantling UNRWA could lead to a humanitarian crisis, as the agency currently provides essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees. However, proponents of the move believe that creating a new agency with transparent operations is crucial for ensuring that aid reaches those in need without inadvertently supporting terrorist activities.
The proposed changes reflect a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Palestinian aid and highlight the administration's commitment to combating terrorism while seeking alternative methods to support Palestinian refugees.
By Antoine Khoury
Israel carried out "genocidal acts" against Palestinians by systematically destroying women's healthcare facilities during the conflict in Gaza, and used sexual violence as a war strategy, United Nations experts said in a report on Thursday.
Egypt said on Thursday it appreciated U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks on not demanding that residents of Gaza leave the enclave, according to a statement from the foreign ministry.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem welcomed on Wednesday U.S. President Donald Trump’s apparent retreat from his proposal for a permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, urging him to refrain from aligning with the vision of the "extreme Zionist right."
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