United States commits to backing United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
The United States has announced its intention to resume supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), marking a significant shift in policy that aims to provide critical humanitarian aid and promote regional stability.
This decision comes after the U.S. government stopped funding for UNRWA in 2018, a move that was widely criticized for its potential impact on the welfare of millions of Palestinian refugees. The resumption of support was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday afternoon.
The work of UNRWA is considered stabilizing on the ground, providing essential services like education, healthcare, and social assistance to over 5 million registered Palestinian refugees. The resumption of U.S. support is expected to improve the prospects for those affected, upholding vital services that are critical for their welfare and human rights.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) has welcomed the move, stating that it sends the right signal and indicates that the U.S. will not leave people in the region alone. Maas believes that the announcement reflects a commitment to multilateral aid mechanisms and a potential counterbalance to unilateral policies that risk exacerbating conflict dynamics.
The SPD politician also hopes that other countries will join and contribute to enable UNRWA to fulfill its important tasks in the future. Germany has been supporting UNRWA since 2018, making it the largest donor. The funds provided by Germany were primarily used for food aid, COVID-19-related measures, infrastructure, employment promotion, and support in the education and health sectors.
The resumption of U.S. support for UNRWA is expected to advance American values and interests, promoting regional prosperity and stability. However, the decision has not been without controversy, with allegations of UNRWA’s links to Hamas and concerns over corruption within the agency. The Biden administration has addressed these concerns, reversing the previous Trump administration's decision to cut funding and emphasizing humanitarian assistance and international cooperation.
The ongoing controversies and political developments surrounding UNRWA have created uncertainty about future humanitarian support and peace efforts. In 2021, the resumption of U.S. support was intended to stabilize Palestinian refugee aid and advance peace prospects. However, as of mid-2025, the U.S. again withdrew funding, citing irreparable ties between UNRWA and Hamas, seeking agency dismantlement. This decision has intensified tensions and created uncertainty about future humanitarian support and peace efforts.
In summary, the resumption of U.S. support for UNRWA reflects a humanitarian and diplomatic strategy to stabilize Palestinian refugee aid and advance peace prospects. However, ongoing controversies and political developments have since challenged this posture with significant implications for the region’s humanitarian and security landscape.
[Image: The flag of the United Nations (UN), via dpa.]
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