Biden faced criticism for giving $33.7 million from the COVID-19 relief bill to UNRWA, accused of Hamas ties and anti-Israel propaganda.
UNRWA, often described as effectively a branch of Hamas, received the funding through the State Department’s Migration and Refugee Assistance program as part of the $500 million allocated in the relief bill for migration and refugee assistance.
Biden’s Funding for UNRWA Sparks Debate
Critics argue that UNRWA has failed to prevent aid from reaching Hamas terrorists, with reports suggesting that its locations have housed Hamas activities and promoted Hamas propaganda in schools.
In the past, UNRWA has faced allegations of teaching children to hate Jewish people and glorify terrorism. Despite acknowledging these accusations and condemning Hamas activities found in its schools, concerns persist regarding the agency’s association with the terrorist group.
Professor Anne Bayefsky, Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, highlighted UNRWA’s inappropriate relationships with Hamas and its facilities being repeatedly used for military purposes by Palestinian terrorists.
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Trump’s Funding Cut to UNRWA and Biden’s Reversal
Former President Donald Trump discontinued funding to UNRWA in 2018, citing concerns that the aid might indirectly benefit Hamas. However, the Biden administration reinstated the funding, acknowledging the potential risks while emphasizing national security interests.
In July 2022, the Biden administration announced a significant contribution of $201 million to UNRWA, solidifying the United States’ position as its largest donor.
The New York Post reported that the administration has now provided a total of $730 million to the organization, sparking further debates on the appropriateness and implications of such funding.
Critics argue that ensuring funds do not indirectly support terrorist activities should be a paramount concern in allocating aid to organizations in sensitive regions like the Middle East.
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