UNRWA faces US accusations of Hamas ties amid funding shortfall

At a United Nations pledging conference, U.S. envoy Jeff Bartos labeled the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) a “subsidiary of Hamas” and urged member states to halt all funding, arguing that continued support enables terror and dependency.

UNRWA officials warned the agency is at a breaking point, citing a $100 million financing gap and describing austerity measures that have cut services, reduced salaries and left many positions vacant. The agency has dismissed staff suspected of involvement in the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, and acknowledges that some employees may have links to Hamas.

While the United Nations Secretary‑General and UNRWA’s acting commissioner‑general appealed for new contributions, the United States has maintained its funding suspension, contrasting with other donors who have resumed assistance.