Washington, DC – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) applauded yesterday’s introduction of the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 (HR 9649) in the House of Representatives. The bill aims to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza by restoring vital funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Contact Tim McHugh: media@fcnl.org, 202-903-2515
The United States paused its UNRWA funding due to allegations that 12 of its staff participated in the October 7 attacks.
“UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Amid horrific violence and a massive humanitarian crisis, for which the United States bears some responsibility, cutting off this funding is simply unconscionable. Without UNRWA, tens of thousands more people will be pushed to the brink of starvation,” said Bridget Moix, FCNL general secretary. “US funding should be restored immediately.”
The US government stopped UNRWA funding until March 2025, but some legislators are working to make the ban permanent. Meanwhile, UNRWA has taken steps towards accountability and transparency. The agency immediately fired the 12 employees and UN Secretary General António Guterres ordered an investigation into the Israeli allegations. In addition, Guterres commissioned an independent, outside review of UNRWA’s mechanisms and procedures.
After prompt action by UNRWA and the UN, and as additional facts have become known, 15 countries that suspended support to UNRWA have resumed funding. This includes the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia. The United States is the only country that has not yet lifted its suspension of aid to the agency.
“The United States should join our key allies in restoring this urgently needed funding for UNRWA. There is no time to lose,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, FCNL’s legislative director for Middle East policy.
To learn more, please visit www.fcnl.org.
###
