The legislation aims to restore funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
It recognizes the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 2 million civilians lacking basic necessities due to ongoing conflict.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has classified the entire Gaza Strip as facing acute food insecurity and at risk of famine.
UNRWA has been crucial in providing shelter, education, healthcare, and financial assistance to Palestinian refugees since 1949.
Following allegations of misconduct by a small number of UNRWA employees, the agency took swift action, including terminations and cooperation with investigations.
An Independent Review Group found that UNRWA has established mechanisms to ensure compliance with humanitarian principles and recommended further improvements, which UNRWA is implementing.
The U.S. Department of State has acknowledged UNRWA’s irreplaceable role in delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Several major donor countries have resumed funding to UNRWA after the agency’s commitment to reforms.
The legislation emphasizes the importance of U.S. funding for UNRWA as part of its strategic interests and humanitarian responsibilities.
It urges the U.S. government to restore funding to UNRWA and to assess future funding based on the agency’s implementation of the Independent Review Group’s recommendations.
The bill includes provisions to repeal previous legislation that paused funding for UNRWA and mandates the Secretary of State to resume funding as soon as possible.
The Secretary of State is required to report to Congress on UNRWA’s progress in implementing the Independent Review Group’s recommendations.
