S.898 and H.R. 2411 - UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025

S. 898 was introduced on 3/6/2025 by Senator Welch (D-VT). It is currently pending before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

H.R. 2411 was introduced on 3/27/2025 by Representative Carson (D-IN-7). It is currently pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Related legislation: N/A

Bill Summary: S.898 and H.R. 2411 seek to restore U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) which was struck in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024 and the Emergency Supplemental Funding bill that accompanied it. The bill emphasizes the strategic and moral importance of addressing humanitarian conditions in Gaza and reaffirms UNRWA's vital role in providing aid and development services to Palestinian refugees across the region. The bill repeals these prior legislative restrictions and executive orders that cut UNRWA funding and directs the State Department to resume and sustain aid, with regular reporting to Congress on UNRWA’s progress in implementing reforms.

Context: Following unsubstantiated accusations by the Government of Israel that 12 of UNRWA’s approximately 13,000 employees in Gaza participated in Hamas’ October 2023 attack, the Biden Administration paused funding to the agency on January 26, 2024. This decision was later codified into law through provisions in the March 2024 appropriations bills, passed by Congress and signed by President Biden, effectively suspending U.S. financial support to UNRWA until March 2025.

The Trump Administration prevented the expiration of the funding pause with an executive order to pause funding to UNRWA arguing that the organization has been infiltrated by foreign terrorist organizations (FTO). However, The Colonna Report, published on April 20, 2024, addressed these allegations, stating that UNRWA has gone beyond its obligation in sharing pertinent information and addressing potential wrongdoings, a conclusion reinforced by the Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence. In 2017, UNRWA adopted its first neutrality policy, instituted mandatory staff training, revised its rules on external and political activities, and implemented a rigorous internal disciplinary process grounded in due process. When the Israeli government accused 12 UNRWA staff members of participating in the October 7th attacks, the agency immediately terminated all 12 employees, even before launching an investigation. Israel later acknowledged that one individual had been misidentified, and to date, none of the allegations have been substantiated.

When Israeli officials extended the claim beyond individuals to allege that UNRWA as an institution had been compromised, the agency formally requested evidence – but none has been provided. Since 2011, UNRWA has regularly shared staff rosters with the Israeli government for all personnel operating in the occupied Palestinian territories. When credible concerns have been raised in the past and evidence was supplied, UNRWA has opened investigations and dismissed staff where warranted. However, the agency has frequently encountered resistance when requesting corroborating evidence from Israeli authorities. As a UN agency, UNRWA lacks both intelligence and law enforcement capabilities and thus depends on the Israeli government in these areas, as is the norm with all UN agencies in relation to member states. On October 28, 2024 the Knesset passed a series of laws banning UNRWA operations from Israeli territory and barring contact between the agency and Israeli officials ensuring that UNRWA will not be able to gain access to critical information regarding any future investigations or concerns.

The suspension of U.S. funding for UNRWA removed its primary source of funding and marked a sharp policy shift that flies in the face of UNRWA's longstanding role in delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. UNRWA is widely regarded as indispensable in delivering essential services to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees and the best resources to alleviate a humanitarian crisis where the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that 1,604,500 in Gaza are facing catastrophic or emergency levels of famine and 100% of the population are suffering from at least acute food insecurity. S. 898 and H.R. 2411 seeks to reverse these legislative and executive actions and provide life saving food to the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza.

American Values Analysis: At its heart, the bill reflects the American value of compassion and the moral imperative to prevent suffering. By restoring aid to UNRWA, the U.S. would help provide food, shelter, education, and medical care to millions of Palestinian refugees, especially in Gaza, where famine and disease threaten civilian life. Upholding humanitarian aid in times of crisis reflects America’s long-standing tradition of aiding vulnerable populations regardless of politics.

American Interest Analysis: S.898 and H.R. 2411 are in American interest as they advance America's diplomatic reputation and foreign policy objectives as they aim to address the catastrophic levels of famine and suffering in Gaza that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has failed to meet. These bills not only seek to restore critical humanitarian assistance through UNRWA but also respond to the concerns that led to the original funding pause by emphasizing accountability and reform. They call on the Government of Israel to support UNRWA’s neutrality efforts by sharing relevant information.

A New Policy’s Recommendation: SUPPORT

A New Policy supports S.898 and H.R. 2411 as restoring funding to UNRWA is an important step in alleviating the humanitarian crisis that is occurring in Gaza and providing critical humanitarian and development support to Palestinians in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

For more information please contact: Josh Paul, info@anewpolicy.org, (202) 770-0055