In a significant development, the United States House of Representatives has passed a $1.2 trillion funding bill that includes a provision to ban funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The measure, which was approved in a 286 to 134 vote on Friday, aims to keep the government fully functioning and avoid a partial shutdown deadline.

The legislation has now been sent to the Senate, where it must be passed by midnight on Friday to prevent several government agencies from running out of funds. President Joe Biden has pledged to sign the bill into law immediately if the Democratic-controlled Senate passes it, as expected.

However, the bill faced strong opposition from some far-right Republicans who argue that it does not do enough to curb government spending. Following the vote, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a motion to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position for his endorsement of the spending deal.

While the bill gained support from a majority, 22 Democrats, who had expressed concerns about the provision targeting UNRWA, joined Republicans in opposing the plan. Critics argue that UNRWA is the only entity capable of addressing the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by the United Nations' warning of an escalating risk of famine due to the Israeli blockade. Officials in Gaza have reported the deaths of many children from dehydration and starvation over the past month.

Progressives within the House have strongly criticized the ban on US aid to UNRWA, highlighting its vital role in providing crucial services to Palestinians in Gaza and across the Middle East. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is of Palestinian descent, accused Israel of committing "some of the most horrific crimes against humanity" in the 21st century. She emphasized UNRWA's importance in delivering essential aid and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.

The US funding bill also includes various other pro-Israel measures, including strict restrictions on US humanitarian aid to Palestinians. This move has been described as "unconscionable" by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who believes it is not based on accurate information but rather driven by political considerations.

Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute (AAI), expressed deep disappointment and labeled the passing of the bill as an "incredible moral failure." She stressed that cutting US funding to UNRWA at a time of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is shocking and serves as part of ongoing attempts to erase Palestinian refugees.

The White House, which typically plays a role in shaping funding bills, has endorsed this legislation, suggesting that President Biden supports the move to defund UNRWA. Critics argue that the Biden administration's policy since October 7 has been flawed and has negatively impacted the US's global standing.

As the bill moves to the Senate, its outcome will have notable implications for the future of US support for UNRWA and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The international community will be watching closely to see how this decision impacts the lives and well-being of Palestinian refugees in the region.