In a significant political maneuver, President Donald Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council and halting funding to UNRWA, the agency dedicated to supporting Palestinian refugees. This order was signed in the White House’s Oval Office ahead of a crucial meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose efforts in Gaza have faced immense criticism due to the loss of thousands of Palestinian lives, predominantly among women and children.
An aide to Trump elaborated on the motivations behind the withdrawal, citing various UN bodies that have shown a pronounced bias against the U.S. The aide also revealed plans to reassess American contributions to UNESCO, emphasizing the perceived inequities in funding between nations, which Trump deemed unfair to the U.S.
Post-signing, Trump expressed his frustration with the UN’s underperformance, asserting that while the organization holds great potential, it has not lived up to expectations. He lamented the absence of effective assistance in resolving global conflicts, stating, “We never seem to get help. That should be the primary purpose of the UN.”
When queried about the standards for the UN to improve, he remarked on the need for fairness in its treatment of nations, warning that the organization risks losing credibility if it continues to favor certain nations over others. Trump controversially suggested that Palestinians would prefer to leave Gaza, proposing relocation to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan to “clean out” what he termed a troubling situation.
Palestinian representatives condemned Trump’s remarks, recalling the Nakba—the catastrophic displacement of Palestinians during the formation of Israel. They emphasized that such forced relocation proposals are met with strong resistance from Palestinians. Bassem Naim from Hamas asserted that attempts to displace Palestinians would be thwarted, as history has repeatedly shown their resilience against displacement efforts.
President Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and UNRWA, citing anti-American bias. He suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring states, a notion met with strong objections from Palestinian leaders recalling historical injustices. The administration’s actions signal a significant shift in its approach to international organizations and the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
The U.S. withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and UNRWA marks a pivotal shift in American foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine. Trump’s simplistic views on relocation and his critique of the UN highlight the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinian leaders’ firm resistance underscores the enduring struggle for recognition and rights amidst geopolitical maneuvering.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
