In a significant move, the United States plans to halt funding for the main U.N. agency that provides aid to Palestinians in Gaza, according to insiders familiar with the Congressional spending agreement currently in progress. This decision, part of a broader spending bill set to be approved by Congress, would result in a substantial deficit of funds for the agency known as UNRWA. Consequently, this could have dire consequences for the residents of Gaza who are already grappling with severe hunger, homelessness, and displacement.

The implications of this action would not only affect the people of Gaza but also create friction between the U.S. and its Western allies regarding the best approach to address the humanitarian crisis in the region, especially amidst allegations of Hamas infiltration within the agency.

While the U.S. has taken alternative measures to alleviate the crisis in Gaza, such as compelling Israel to allow more aid into the enclave and conducting food airdrops, the cut-off of funding to UNRWA could significantly impact the delivery of essential services in the region.

Prior to the conflict, UNRWA employees played a vital role in providing educational and healthcare services in Gaza. However, they have now become the primary source for delivering aid to the besieged residents of the territory. With Congress moving to ban funding for the agency, U.S. officials are exploring alternative organizations to facilitate food distribution, among other services.

While the U.S. is scouting for other entities to fill the void left by the suspension of UNRWA funding, America’s allies are scrambling to ensure that financial support for the agency continues.

The funding suspension is expected to last until March 2025 and extends a previous halt that had bipartisan support following Israel’s accusations against several UNRWA employees. Efforts are underway to enforce a more prolonged funding ban, as divulged by sources involved in the negotiations.

According to Senator James Risch, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, “Not a single taxpayer dollar should go to UNRWA after the serious allegations of its members participating in the October 7th attacks.”

The United States’ withdrawal of support would severely impact UNRWA’s capacity to provide food and healthcare services in Gaza. Historically, the U.S. has been a significant contributor to the agency’s budget, with a notable contribution of $370 million in 2023 alone. As of May, UNRWA’s operations were funded until the end of the month, as reported by Scott Anderson, the agency’s deputy director for Gaza.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner general, expressed concerns about the adverse impact the U.S. funding suspension would have on the agency’s services, particularly in the realm of education. He emphasized the importance of continued solidarity from the U.S. while acknowledging the impending passing of the agreement in Congress.

Amidst these developments, the White House remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for reinstating funding to UNRWA in the future, contingent upon the agency’s investigations and commitment to reform.

U.N. officials disclosed that 10 out of the 12 accused employees linked to the October 7th attack have been terminated, with the remaining two deceased. The allegations prompted U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to order an inquiry into the agency and urge nations to reconsider their aid suspensions.

Recent commitments from various countries to renew funding for UNRWA signal a potential shift in support, with a focus on ensuring accountability and reform within the agency.

As the situation unfolds, humanitarian officials raise doubts about the efficacy of other aid organizations independently distributing large quantities of aid amidst ongoing conflict in the region. Despite efforts to identify alternatives to UNRWA, the indispensable role the agency plays in delivering critical services in Gaza remains a pressing concern.

The evolving dynamics have prompted discussions about the potential involvement of the World Food Program as a replacement for UNRWA. However, the disparity in staffing and operational capacity between the two organizations raises questions about the feasibility of such a transition.

While the deliberations continue, it is crucial to address the immediate needs of the people in Gaza and ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those most affected by the crisis.

Efforts to secure funding for UNRWA are ongoing, with European countries emphasizing the importance of accountability and reform within the agency. The road ahead involves navigating complex diplomatic discussions to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without compromising on ethics and neutrality.