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
Israelis will on Wednesday mark three years since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a military assault that destroyed much of Gaza, where conditions remain dire despite a year-old ceasefire that is meant to halt the war for good.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Ankara and Istanbul from October 21 to 23, his office said on Tuesday, in what will be the first dedicated bilateral visit to NATO ally Turkey by a Canadian leader.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said “Three years ago, on October 7th, Hamas tried to break us. They did not.”
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