The U.S. State Department has issued a significant report to Congress regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which offers assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The report concludes that the agency should be disbanded due to its alleged deep-rooted connection with Hamas and involvement in activities that are considered irreparable. An assessment shared by the State Department with Congress suggests that the agency is “irredeemably compromised,” prompting calls for its complete dismantlement.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a video released on Tuesday purportedly shows Hamas operatives inside a UNRWA facility near Rafah, carrying weapons and engaging with vehicles bearing the U.N. logo. The report highlights that in March 2025, the Trump administration demanded the return of any unspent U.S. funds from UNRWA, a process that remains incomplete. Efforts are underway by the State Department to cease U.S. involvement in all UNRWA-related activities at the United Nations. The decision to halt funding was enacted in January 2024, following numerous allegations of corruption within the agency.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent push for the agency’s closure has increased the pressure on the United Nations and significant donor countries like Japan and Germany to reassess their support for UNRWA. The Biden administration had previously allocated $1 billion in U.S. funds to UNRWA since 2021, prior to freezing assistance in 2024. Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated in February 2024 that many UNRWA employees were involved in the violent acts against Israeli civilians on October 7. Meanwhile, former Israeli Ambassador to the U.N.
Danny Danon insisted on the closure of UNRWA operations in Jerusalem. In August 2024, it was reported that nine UNRWA employees were dismissed by the United Nations, suspected of being involved in Hamas-led violence that resulted in over 1,200 deaths, including more than 30 Americans. Citing the agency’s reported ties to Hamas, the Israeli Parliament has overwhelmingly voted to ban UNRWA. The U.S. government classifies Hamas as a terrorist organization, and both Israeli and U.S. officials, along with various oversight groups, have previously documented UNRWA’s alleged promotion of pro-Palestinian terrorism and antisemitism.
