At a United Nations gathering on July 1, Ambassador Jeff Bartos urged donors to consider alternatives to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He suggested backing frameworks that promise peace, prosperity, and lasting change for the people of Gaza.
Recently, Finland joined the United States and Sweden in suspending financial contributions to UNRWA. The agency faces investigations for alleged connections with terrorist groups in Gaza. Various bodies, including USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) and NGO UN Watch, have reportedly found evidence of Hamas infiltration within UNRWA, linking some of its members to terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Finland has decided to halt funding by the end of 2026, although the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has not disclosed future international partners for its regional support. Finnish officials have remained silent regarding the reasons behind this funding shift.
US encourages donors to stop UNRWA funding as UN defends its mission
The Trump administration banned funding for UNRWA in February 2025, with Sweden cutting support in December 2024 and redirecting aid elsewhere. The Board of Peace aims to deliver a conflict-free future for Gaza, emphasizing demilitarization and deradicalization with credible partners, as stated by its officials.
The USAID OIG is actively investigating 1,500 UNRWA members for terror activities, recommending suspension or exclusion of 108 staff from US-funded projects. A senior US official noted that these investigations are compelling countries to reevaluate the notion of UNRWA as the sole aid option, preventing Hamas-associated staff from participating in future aid organizations.
UN Watch’s report indicates that 12% of UNRWA’s Gaza staff are linked to terrorist organizations, based on cross-referencing with Hamas documentation. Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, asserts that Finland’s decision to withdraw funding won’t hinder Palestinian aid, suggesting redirection to agencies like the World Food Programme.
Neuer advocates for other democracies to emulate Finland, Sweden, and the US to pass aid through responsible channels. He contends UNRWA isn’t ‘indispensable,’ emphasizing the need for aid delivery via alternatives.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, acknowledged Finland’s contribution and expressed hope for continued dialogue. He urged member states to back UNRWA’s essential work. Finland had committed around $23.23 million until 2026, but will cease after this year.
Neuer insists that ending UNRWA funding is pivotal for Gaza’s deradicalization and peace strategy, arguing the agency perpetuates conflict by instilling a ‘right of return’ ideology among Palestinians against Israel.
Investigations by USAID OIG and UN Watch denote UNRWA’s irreformable nature. Nations seeking genuine peace should halt support, focusing instead on humanitarian aid, deradicalization, and Palestinian self-reliance.
Beth Bailey covers United Nations affairs, antisemitism globally, and conflicts for Fox News.
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