GOP launches probe into Biden administration funding of UN Palestinian relief agency

House Republicans are launching an investigation into the Biden administration’s funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following allegations related to the October 7 attack on Israel.

“House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Republicans on the Oversight Committee are launching an investigation into the Biden administration’s decision to restore funding to the United States.” [Nations] In light of recent reports revealing that some UNRWA personnel actively participated in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack and kidnapping against Israel, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) issued a statement to the House Oversight Committee Republican “Member of Parliament” Said in a press release Friday.

The Biden administration announced late last month that it would suspend funding to UNRWA due to allegations that more than a dozen UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas.

Also in press release It contains Link to letter from Oversight Committee Republicans. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said,[a]All documents and communications between State Department officials and the White House related to the decision to resume funding for UNRWA announced on April 7, 2021. ”

“The recent revelations of UNRWA’s links to terrorist organizations warrant further scrutiny of the Biden administration’s decision in April 2021 to partner with the agency. “We are seeking documentation and information regarding the Biden Administration’s decision to renew funding for

In 2018, the Trump administration announced that it would halt funding to UNRWA. In a statement at the time, a State Department spokesperson said the administration “carefully considered this issue and determined that the United States will not make additional contributions to UNRWA” and that UNRWA’s business model and basic practices were “unsustainable.” “It is possible,” he said.

As a presidential candidate, Biden promised to restore aid to the Palestinians, including UNRWA, and as president he delivered. In April 2021, the Biden administration announced $235 million in funding for the agency.