A group of Democratic representatives has introduced a bill to restore U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential services to nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees. Led by Representatives Pramila Jayapal, André Carson, and Jan Schakowsky, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 aims to reverse the pause on U.S. aid to the agency.
UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering vital relief, including food, healthcare, and education, to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Historically, the U.S. has been one of UNRWA’s largest donors, but funding was suspended in January after Israel accused 12 UNRWA employees in Gaza of involvement in a Hamas attack in October 2023.
During a press briefing, Congresswoman Jayapal stressed the importance of UNRWA in preventing further humanitarian crises in Gaza. “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,” she stated.
Carson echoed her concerns, urging lawmakers to support the bill on humanitarian grounds and emphasizing that UNRWA has made significant strides in accountability and transparency. “It’s past time we restore funding and save lives,” he said.
The agency has been facing mounting challenges since its funding was cut, worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza. UN reports indicate severe shortages of food and hygiene supplies, putting nearly 1 million people at risk of lacking basic necessities.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, defended the agency’s work amidst significant funding shortfalls and logistical obstacles in delivering aid. Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 193 UNRWA staff members have been killed, underscoring the dangerous conditions under which the agency operates.
Lazzarini expressed concerns over Israeli efforts to undermine UNRWA, accusing the government of attempts to dismantle the agency’s operations. The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva dismissed these claims, highlighting the tense environment in which UNRWA operates.
The bill comes at a critical time, 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, calling for the U.S. to follow suit and restore financial support.
Human rights organizations and advocacy groups have rallied behind the bill, stressing that restoring funds is vital to alleviating the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of J Street, noted the importance of U.S. funding for both Palestinian welfare and Israeli security.
The legislation seeks to lift the congressionally mandated pause on aid and encourage the U.S. to take a more active role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Advocates warn that without this critical funding, the region will face increased instability and worsening living conditions for millions of Palestinians. The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 is currently under review in Congress, with supporters hopeful for a renewed commitment to international humanitarian relief efforts.
