Palestinians in Gaza are facing genocidal violence, the collapse of medical care, and what the UN has called “full-blown famine.”¹

In an outrageous move, the Biden administration stopped funding the UN agency that serves Gaza: UNRWA.²

Following Biden’s lead, Congress banned funding to UNRWA until March 2025.

This is outrageous.

UNRWA provides critical humanitarian aid and services to millions of people, including medical care, food, shelter, and more. They are the single largest providers of aid to Palestinians in Gaza who are trying to survive genocide.

In many cases, Palestinians living under occupation have long relied on UNRWA for basic services. UNRWA is responsible for nearly 150 health clinics, serving more than 9 million patients annually.³

UNRWA facilities provide shelter for nearly a million people in Gaza² — just under half of the total Gaza population.⁴

During Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, at least 192 UNRWA employees in Gaza have been killed.⁵

UNRWA plays a crucial role in ensuring the distribution of the little aid that does arrive in Gaza. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) used the word “catastrophic” to describe the likely consequences of pausing UNRWA aid.⁶

Tell your Members of Congress: You don’t cut aid to the largest provider of aid during a genocide. Reinstate UNRWA’s funding. Take action now.

Sources:

1. “The UN says there’s ‘full-blown famine’ in northern Gaza. What does that mean?,” Associated Press, May 6, 2024.

2. “It’s right to probe UNRWA’s problems – yet what would replace it? Its critics have no answer,” The Guardian, Jan. 31, 2024.

3. “Details Emerge on U.N. Workers Accused of Aiding Hamas Raid,” NYT, Jan. 28, 2024.

4. “What is UNRWA and why are some countries suspending its funding?,” Reuters, Jan. 30, 2024.  

5. “UNRWA: Stop Israel’s Violent Campaign Against Us,” New York Times, May 30, 2024.

6. “WHO chief says defunding UNRWA will have 'catastrophic' consequences,” Reuters, Jan. 31, 2024.