US Envoy Calls for Shift in Funding from UNRWA

At a United Nations meeting on July 1, Ambassador Jeff Bartos expressed that donors have the option to either continue funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or to support a new framework aimed at achieving “peace, prosperity, and real and lasting change” for the people in Gaza.

The UN has recently defended its appeal for ongoing support of UNRWA, despite the U.S. urging an end to funding. The U.S. claims that UNRWA has been compromised by Hamas and advocates redirecting funds to a peace commission endorsed by the Security Council.

During UNRWA’s annual funding conference earlier this month, Bartos criticized member states for sticking to unsuccessful methods, stating that the agency has become a “subsidiary of Hamas.” His remarks included a pointed observation that repeating the same actions without seeing new results is, by definition, insanity. He noted a consistent pattern at these gatherings: condemnation of Israel without equivalent criticism of Hamas.

Bartos urged governments to withdraw financial support for UNRWA schools, alleging that they are teaching children to harbor resentment towards Jews and glamorizing terrorism. He even pointed to claims about UNRWA employees being involved in Hamas activities during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

“Donors can either fund incitement and stagnation or support a peace committee offering Gazans a route to meaningful change,” he said.

The proposed peace commission, articulated in a plan by former President Trump, is designed to oversee transitional governance and developmental initiatives, presenting an alternative to UNRWA by channeling resources away from what it describes as a terror-infiltrated system towards responsible governance.

When questioned about why UN Secretary-General António Guterres is seeking additional support for UNRWA instead of the peace commission, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric defended UNRWA’s efforts and importance. He maintained that UNRWA plays a critical role in humanitarian services and pointed out the existing need for humanitarian aid in Gaza alongside any peace efforts.

Interestingly, the stance taken by the U.S. contrasts sharply with that of several European countries. At the same funding event, for instance, the UK announced a commitment of £23 million to UNRWA, emphasizing its essentiality for Palestinian refugees in several regions. France echoed this sentiment, asserting that UNRWA continues to provide vital assistance and confirming its own contributions to the agency.

UNRWA leaders have acknowledged ongoing criticisms and committed to implementing measures aimed at enhancing neutrality and transparency. However, there are ongoing discussions about the systemic issues related to the agency and calls for deeper reforms.

Moreover, the funding disagreements emerged in the context of allegations against former director Philippe Lazzarini regarding a failure to act on warnings about Hamas infiltration. A Geneva-based organization has submitted claims that Lazzarini and his administration received evidence of employees being associated with Hamas but did not take necessary actions.

Critics argue that an independent investigation would clarify the situation. They stress that while concerns about misconduct should be seriously considered, they shouldn’t obstruct the critical humanitarian work UNRWA does.

While Dujarric pointed out that UN Watch is not a judicial authority, he reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to cooperating with investigations initiated by relevant state authorities.

Ultimately, the debate continues, with various perspectives on the best approach to supporting Gaza and the Palestinian community during a time of intense political and humanitarian crises.