US urges donors to halt UNRWA funding amid terrorism investigation

U.S. officials are pressing United Nations member states to stop financing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) after a USAID Office of Inspector General probe identified more than 1,500 UNRWA employees under investigation for links to Hamas and other terrorist groups. The inquiry has referred 108 current or former staff members to the State Department for possible suspension or exclusion from U.S.‑funded programs.

UNRWA’s internal audit in 2024 found insufficient evidence against ten staff members alleged to have taken part in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, while nine employees were dismissed. U.S. officials argue that continued donor support could inadvertently fund individuals involved in terrorism, urging a transition plan to maintain essential services such as health care and food distribution for Palestinian refugees.