Trump Administration Weighs Sanctions on UNRWA
The Trump administration is contemplating the possibility of imposing terrorism-related sanctions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This comes as officials examine allegations of potential links between the agency and Hamas. Reports suggest that these measures could increase pressure on UNRWA’s leadership and its operations, though details are still being unraveled.
UN agencies play a crucial role in providing aid, education, healthcare, housing, and social services to millions of Palestinians across regions like Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. While U.N. officials assert that UNRWA is essential for relief efforts amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Trump administration has accused the agency of having ties with Hamas—a claim that UNRWA adamantly denies.
Washington, previously the largest contributor to UNRWA, froze its funding in January 2024 after claims arose that several staff members were involved in the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which ignited the ongoing conflict.
In reference to UNRWA, Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled it a “subsidiary of Hamas.” He later stated that UNRWA had no role in providing humanitarian aid, emphasizing the involvement of other U.N. entities instead.
As discussions within the U.S. government continue, it’s still unclear whether sanctions would target the entire agency or specific individuals or actions within it. Some sources have suggested that the State Department is debating the possibility of designating UNRWA as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO), an action that would financially isolate the agency.
UNRWA is already grappling with a significant funding shortfall, and broader sanctions could severely impact its ability to assist refugees throughout the region. This situation is particularly complex, considering the U.S. is a member of the United Nations and one of its founding nations back in 1949.
William Deere, head of UNRWA’s Washington office, expressed his disappointment if the FTO designation discussions are ongoing, calling such a move “unprecedented and unwarranted.” He pointed to various studies, including one from the US National Intelligence Council, which argue that UNRWA remains a neutral, essential humanitarian organization.
The White House and State Department haven’t yet addressed media inquiries regarding this issue. The U.S. and Israel maintain strong stances against UNRWA, particularly following the October 7 massacre.
In February, President Trump reiterated that the U.S. would not provide funding to UNRWA, citing concerns that members of designated terrorist organizations were infiltrating the agency and suggesting UNRWA personnel were involved in the October 7 attack.
When the International Court of Justice in April 2025 urged Israel to cooperate with UNRWA, the U.S. sided with Israel, asserting that there were valid reasons to doubt UNRWA’s impartiality.
In August 2024, UNRWA concluded an internal investigation into whether its staff participated in the attack, a claim made by Israel. This investigation reviewed 19 employees and led to the dismissal of nine, though some individuals were found to have insufficient evidence against them.
