Rep. Smith Statement on Funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement on the decision by the United States to pause funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides food, water, and other essential services to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. 

“The allegations against the UNRWA employees in Gaza are very serious. The allegations should be thoroughly investigated, and any employees involved with Hamas should be held accountable, but during this time of crisis, the agency must be able to continue their lifesaving work. Palestinians in Gaza are facing a severe humanitarian crisis, and millions of Palestinians depend on UNRWA to deliver food, water, and other essential services. A prolonged pause in funding will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, deprive innocent Palestinians of desperately needed aid, and contribute to instability in the region. Because of this, the United States should resume funding for UNRWA. Going forward, serious reforms should be made to UNRWA that address longstanding concerns about the organization, but at this point, when they are the only agency that can logistically provide necessary services, their funding must be maintained to reduce the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.” 

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