Permanent Ban on US Funding to UNRWA Called for by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Member
Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Pete Ricketts is advocating for a permanent ban on US funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), citing its alleged association with the Hamas terrorist group. Ricketts, a Republican senator, argues that UNRWA effectively serves as a branch of Hamas, playing a critical role in supporting its infrastructure.
Ricketts asserts that evidence has emerged indicating that several UNRWA employees were directly involved in the October 7th attacks, with six participating actively in the attacks and the remaining six aiding in kidnappings and logistical planning. Ricketts contends that the previous Trump administration was aware of these allegations, which prompted the discontinuation of funding to UNRWA. However, the Biden administration resumed funding upon taking office, having already provided $730 million in taxpayer dollars to the organization.
The senator emphasizes that the revelation of UNRWA's employees' involvement in the October 7th attacks should not have come as a surprise to the Biden administration. He argues that there was prior knowledge of the organization's use of facilities, such as schools, for storing weapons and launching attacks. Additionally, textbooks containing anti-Semitic and martyrdom ideologies were reportedly utilized, further raising concerns about the organization's activities.
Ricketts has introduced the Stop Support of Hamas Act, which aims to terminate taxpayer funding to UNRWA, as he believes it supports terrorist groups such as Hamas and the Islamic Palestinian Jihad. The senator expresses disappointment with the Biden administration's decision to merely pause funding, asserting that it should be completely halted. Ricketts takes the position that any future legislation, such as the proposed border security deal, must contain permanent language prohibiting funding for UNRWA.
In a related matter, Ricketts has written a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, demanding a 72-hour review period before any votes are held on the border security deal. He argues that every state is now effectively a border state due to the widespread implications of the crisis. The senator asserts the need for sufficient time to evaluate the bill's text before making any decisions. Ricketts also requests the presence of administration officials who can provide clarification on the implementation strategies for securing the border.
The ongoing issues surrounding UNRWA and border security have raised concerns among policymakers from various states. Ricketts emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation process to ensure transparency and effective decision-making.
