This bill permanently bars the United States from providing any funding, whether voluntary contributions or assessed dues, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as UNRWA, or to the portion of the UN's regular budget that supports UNRWA. The measure stems from concerns that UNRWA aid could indirectly benefit Hamas, particularly following allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in or had knowledge of the October 2023 attacks on Israel. The bill does not stop the U.S. from providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees through other channels; however, any alternative organization receiving U.S. funds must be certified by the Secretary of State as not promoting or affiliating with individuals or groups tied to violence, terrorism, or antisemitism, nor employing such individuals. This affects Palestinian refugees who rely on UNRWA services like education, healthcare, and food assistance, as well as U.S. foreign aid policy in the Middle East. The bill does not set a specific funding amount or expiration date, meaning the prohibition would remain in effect indefinitely unless Congress acts to change it.
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