US Envoy Urges Nations to Withdraw UNRWA Funding

In a speech at the United Nations on July 1, Ambassador Jeff Bartos emphasized the need for a shift in support away from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He urged donors to back initiatives that offer genuine peace and prosperity for Gaza.

An increasing number of countries have chosen to stop funding UNRWA. Finland recently joined the United States and Sweden in halting donations to the agency amid allegations of its ties with Gaza’s terrorist rulers. Investigations by the USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) and NGO UN Watch have uncovered evidence of alleged Hamas infiltration within UNRWA. This includes participation by members in the October 7, 2023 terror attacks in southern Israel.

As of now, Finland’s agreement with UNRWA will end in 2026, concluding its longstanding support. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed they have not yet decided which international partners will be used to address regional needs moving forward.

Despite other nations continuing to fund UNRWA, the Trump administration fully banned support to the agency in February 2025. Similarly, Sweden redirected its aid to other UN bodies by December 2024 for the Gaza response.

The Board of Peace, backed by the US administration, intends to craft a conflict-free future in Gaza. An affiliated official stated their focus on working with credible partners who deliver real change. They plan to replace UNRWA with vetted organizations capable of supporting Gaza’s residents responsibly.

UNRWA Under Scrutiny

The USAID OIG is investigating about 1,500 UNRWA members for alleged terrorism involvement. The findings have led the OIG to refer 108 UNRWA staff to the State Department for potential suspension from US-funded projects.

A senior US official informed Fox News that these independent findings are prompting countries to rethink traditional views on aid to Gaza. The official noted that responsible aid providers could prevent Hamas-tied staff from entering future organizations.

UN Watch’s Terror Network report claims 12% of UNRWA staff in Gaza are affiliated with terror groups, based on matching UNRWA employee lists with seized Hamas records.

UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer commented on Finland’s decision, stating that aid would be redirected through agencies like the World Food Programme, which aren’t infiltrated by Hamas.

He urged other democracies to follow the examples of Finland, Sweden, and the US, promoting alternative means of assistance. According to Neuer, UNRWA is not essential for aid delivery, and rerouting funds is vital for Gaza’s peace plan.

UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric acknowledged Finland’s funding decision and expressed UNRWA’s gratitude for the funds allocated through 2026. The UN Secretary-General continues to urge member states to back UNRWA’s crucial work.

Finland contributed approximately $23.23 million over a four-year period, marking its end after this period. UNRWA declined to comment on Finland’s decision.

Neuer emphasized that defunding UNRWA is crucial for deradicalization within the Gaza peace plan. He argued that dismantling UNRWA is key to achieving peace. He claimed the agency has perpetuated conflict by fostering a belief in the ‘right of return’ as opposed to building a self-sufficient society.

An analysis by USAID OIG and UN Watch claims UNRWA is beyond reform. Nations striving for peace should invest in humanitarian relief, deradicalization, and fostering Palestinian self-reliance instead of backing UNRWA.

Beth Bailey reports on United Nations affairs, global antisemitism, and conflict zones for Fox News.