Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) during his visit to Israel, which coincided with Vice President J.D. Vance’s departure for Washington. When asked if UNRWA would facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, Rubio stated, “UNRWA has no role in that,” asserting that the United Nations is already on the ground and capable of assisting if they choose to work effectively. He further claimed, “UNRWA has become a subsidiary of Hamas.”
In response, UNRWA requested permission to continue operating in Gaza, highlighting their extensive logistics network and established trust with local communities. The agency emphasized its readiness to collaborate for effective aid distribution.
A group of experts has urged President Trump to exclude any UN agencies associated with terrorism from the peace plan in Gaza. Following the endorsement of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. Central Command opened the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in southern Israel, where Rubio spoke recently. This center is pivotal for overseeing stabilization efforts and monitoring ceasefire developments in Gaza.
During last month’s UN General Assembly, Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed UNRWA’s crucial role, stating that it contributes significantly to humanitarian operations and regional peace and stability. He described the agency as invaluable.
Nevertheless, the U.S. and Israel have maintained a firm stance against UNRWA, particularly following the October 7, 2023 massacre, with Trump reiterating that the U.S. would not fund the agency. He pointed to concerns over UNRWA’s alleged infiltration by members of a designated terrorist group, which were purportedly involved in the October 7 attacks.
In April 2025, when the International Court of Justice requested cooperation with UNRWA, the U.S. supported Israel’s position that there were no obligations to engage with the agency, expressing doubts about UNRWA’s impartiality.
An investigation into UNRWA staff’s alleged participation in the October attacks was completed in August 2024, resulting in the dismissal of nine employees based on evidence suggesting their involvement. However, UNRWA also stated that in several other cases, there wasn’t sufficient evidence to confirm any wrongdoing by its personnel.
