On Tuesday, February 4, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from several United Nations bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), while initiating a broader review of U.S. funding for the organization.
The order officially ends U.S. participation in the UNHRC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), with a review planned for continued involvement in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
This decision coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Netanyahu has long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of anti-Israel bias and alleging some staff members’ involvement in activities against Israel.
During Trump’s first term (2017–2021), his administration had already cut funding to UNRWA, citing concerns over its effectiveness and urging the Palestinians to engage in renewed peace talks with Israel. The U.S. also withdrew from the 47-member Human Rights Council during that period, citing alleged bias against Israel and the council’s failure to implement reforms.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has ordered the U.S. to withdraw from other global agreements, including the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement—repeating actions from his first term.
The U.S. was historically UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing between $300 million and $400 million annually. However, President Biden paused funding in January 2024 after Israel accused several UNRWA staff members of participating in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza.
Following these allegations, the U.S. Congress formally suspended contributions to UNRWA until at least March 2025. The agency provides vital aid, healthcare, and educational services to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
