Progressive lawmakers and humanitarian aid groups are putting pressure on the Biden administration to reinstate funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), following allegations that a dozen of its members were involved in Hamas' attack on Israeli soil on October 7.

The accusation against the UNRWA employees, who provide vital aid and services to Palestinian families, includes allegations of abductions and killings during the attack. Consequently, major donors such as the United States and Germany have suspended funding for the organization pending the outcome of an investigation.

The halt in funding has raised concerns among progressives and those worried about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Advocates for resuming aid argue that an extended pause could have catastrophic consequences for the millions of people reliant on UNRWA's assistance.

Joining the growing chorus of voices calling on President Joe Biden to reconsider, Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the administration for the funding pause. While acknowledging the need to investigate the allegations against the charged individuals, Sanders emphasized that millions should not suffer due to the actions of a few. Sanders urged the U.S. and other countries to restore funding to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

Similarly, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to Twitter to express her dissatisfaction with the suspension of support to UNRWA, which serves as the primary source of humanitarian aid for the 2.3 million people living in the Gaza Strip. Ocasio-Cortez deemed the halt in funding as "unacceptable."

In response to the mounting pressure, the National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, called for a swift investigation into the allegations against the UNRWA employees involved in the October 7 attacks. He stressed that blaming the entire agency for the actions of a few was unwarranted, while also stating that U.S. contributions would remain suspended until the investigation concludes.

Various humanitarian aid organizations, including Save the Children, ActionAid, and Oxfam, are warning the Biden administration and lawmakers about the potential impact of the funding pause on the situation in Gaza. Leslie Archambeault, Managing Director of Humanitarian Policy for Save the Children U.S., revealed that twenty groups have signed a letter urging countries to reverse the funding suspensions. Archambeault stressed the gravity of the situation and the significant implications for the vulnerable population in Gaza.

At present, both the National Security Council and the U.S. office to the U.N. have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

As the debate over the funding suspension for the UNRWA continues, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while ensuring that those responsible for the alleged criminal activities are held accountable. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent decisions on funding will have significant ramifications for the millions in need of assistance in the region.