In a significant move to address concerns of alleged ties to Hamas, the United States House of Representatives has passed a $1.2 trillion spending bill that includes a provision to block funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The historic ban on US funding to UNRWA demonstrates a strong bipartisan consensus, with overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz praised the move, stating that it signifies a recognition that UNRWA is "part of the problem and cannot be part of the solution." Katz urged other nations to follow suit and withhold funding to the agency.

The decision comes as UNRWA faces extensive investigations into allegations of its employees' involvement with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. In January, Israel shared information indicating that at least 12 UNRWA employees had ties to and assisted Hamas during an attack on Israel. Following this revelation, the US initially cut its funding, followed by other major allies.

While some nations, including Canada and Sweden, resumed funding after preliminary reviews, the US reinforced its commitment to distance itself from UNRWA. The new provision in the spending bill bans funding for UNRWA until March 25, 2025, with no contributions, grants, or payments allowed from funds appropriated for the Department of State and related programs. The bill includes a complete funding freeze for UNRWA until the end of 2024.

UNRWA issued a statement expressing concern that the funding cut would undermine efforts to assist Gaza and potentially destabilize the region further. However, the bill sets aside $175 million for other humanitarian projects in the West Bank and Gaza, which will be distributed through the US Agency for International Development (USAID). These funds will undergo strict scrutiny to prevent diversion to Hamas or other extremist entities in Palestinian territories.

The investigations into UNRWA's alleged ties to Hamas are ongoing. The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is conducting its own investigation and is expected to publish its findings in April. An interim report from the OIOS provided information that led some nations to reverse their funding freeze. Additionally, former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna is leading an independent review, looking into concerns that UNRWA is not maintaining its neutrality policy. The interim report from Colonna's group stated that UNRWA has established mechanisms and procedures to ensure compliance with humanitarian principles, while acknowledging areas that still need attention.

As the spending bill moves forward, it is clear that the US Congress is taking decisive action to address the issue of alleged ties between UNRWA and Hamas. The freeze on funding highlights a commitment to accountability and ensuring that resources are channeled towards legitimate humanitarian efforts in the region.