Full Breakdown
UNRWA Officials Lobby Against Potential Terrorist Designation by Trump Administration
1/17/2026, 7:56:15 AM
UNRWA's Advocacy Efforts
On December 17, 2023, officials from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) conducted a video briefing aimed at congressional staffers to oppose a potential designation of the agency as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. The meeting, organized by UNRWA USA, sought to highlight the agency's ongoing humanitarian operations in Gaza and the West Bank, despite claims from the Israeli government that UNRWA has been obstructed from functioning effectively.
Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA, emphasized the agency's continued presence in the region, asserting that the Israeli government's actions are aimed at undermining UNRWA's life-saving work. Bill Deere, UNRWA’s director in Washington, confirmed that reports regarding the administration's consideration of the designation were accurate and described such a move as unprecedented and unwarranted. He urged congressional offices to express their opposition to the designation, warning that it could have broader implications for the United Nations system.
Operational Challenges and Humanitarian Impact
During the briefing, UNRWA officials detailed the challenges faced in maintaining operations under current restrictions. Sam Rose, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, noted that while international staff were unable to enter Gaza due to Israeli legislation, the agency's services had not ceased. UNRWA continues to provide essential services, including primary healthcare, education, and emergency shelter, through remote management.
Rose highlighted that UNRWA's cash assistance and job creation programs remain operational, allowing the agency to support hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees. He described a two-tier system in aid delivery, where some goods are blocked from U.N. use but can enter through private channels. This situation underscores the complexities of humanitarian aid in the region.
Legislative Advocacy and Funding Concerns
The briefing also included advocacy for the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025, which aims to restore U.S. funding to the agency. Historically, the United States has been UNRWA's largest donor, but funding was halted in 2024. Kronenfeld thanked congressional offices that have supported efforts to reinstate funding, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. assistance in sustaining UNRWA's operations.
Deere reiterated the importance of these briefings as a platform to counter misinformation regarding UNRWA's activities in Gaza. He stated that UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering healthcare, education, and public health initiatives, with medical personnel providing 40 percent of primary healthcare in Gaza.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite UNRWA's advocacy, some U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Marco Rubio, have criticized the agency, labeling it a "subsidiary of Hamas" and asserting that it should not be involved in delivering aid to Gaza. This perspective reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the agency's operations and its relationship with Hamas, which governs Gaza.
Verbatim Quotes
- "This would be unprecedented for a U.N. agency to consider this. It is certainly unwarranted." — Bill Deere, UNRWA Director in Washington
- "You can loudly express your displeasure." — Bill Deere, UNRWA Director in Washington
- "Every day, UNRWA staff are delivering critical services in Gaza and the West Bank." — Bill Deere, UNRWA Director in Washington
The ongoing discussions and lobbying efforts by UNRWA officials highlight the agency's critical role in providing humanitarian assistance amidst a complex political landscape, as well as the significant challenges it faces in securing necessary funding and operational support.
