UNRWA Officials Urge Congress to Oppose Trump Terror Designation

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is mobilizing efforts to persuade U.S. congressional staffers to oppose a potential designation of the agency as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. This lobbying initiative took place during a briefing on December 17, 2023, where UNRWA officials detailed the agency’s ongoing humanitarian operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

During a press conference in Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that while the United States remains open to collaboration with the United Nations, it would not support UNRWA. The agency’s officials, including Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA, emphasized the importance of their work and the urgent need for continued funding and support. Kronenfeld stated that UNRWA is “still on the ground” in both Gaza and the West Bank, despite what she described as “the Netanyahu government’s insidious efforts” to obstruct its humanitarian mission.

The briefing, organized by UNRWA USA, highlighted the agency’s critical services, including cash-based assistance and healthcare. Officials raised concerns about reports suggesting that the U.S. government is contemplating the terrorist designation for UNRWA and discussed strategies to counteract this potential move.

Bill Deere, UNRWA’s director in Washington, confirmed that media reports about the administration’s considerations appear accurate. “This would be unprecedented for a U.N. agency,” Deere asserted, adding that it is “certainly unwarranted.” He referenced “four separate independent investigations” that have found no evidence supporting Israel’s claims against UNRWA’s workforce. Deere urged congressional staffers to express their disapproval vigorously, warning that such a designation could set a concerning precedent for the entire U.N. system.

UNRWA officials provided insight into the operational challenges they face in Gaza. Sam Rose, the director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, noted that international staff are currently unable to enter the region due to Israeli legislation. Despite this, Rose reassured participants that UNRWA’s essential services, including healthcare, education, and sanitation, have continued uninterrupted. He highlighted the agency’s ability to operate cash assistance and job creation programs even under challenging conditions.

The briefing also featured a presentation by Roland Friedrich, who outlined UNRWA’s comprehensive assistance programs in the West Bank. He emphasized the agency’s support for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees, providing various forms of aid, including cash assistance and food vouchers. Friedrich argued that UNRWA plays a significant stabilizing role in the region, maintaining essential services despite ongoing restrictions.

The discussion extended beyond operational updates to explicit advocacy for legislative support. Kronenfeld urged participants to back the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025, emphasizing that the United States has historically been the agency’s largest donor before funding cuts were initiated in 2024.

UNRWA officials did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the ongoing situation. In a statement to the outlet, Deere reiterated the importance of briefings like the one held on December 17, describing them as opportunities for UNRWA to counter misinformation regarding its operations in Gaza. He noted that the agency continues to provide critical services, delivering 40% of primary healthcare and promoting public health initiatives.

The future of UNRWA’s operations remains uncertain, particularly with the Trump administration’s potential designation looming over the agency. As congressional staffers weigh the implications of such a decision, the impact on humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the West Bank could be profound.