U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated plans to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and terminate funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential aid to Palestinians. This action, reported by a White House official under the cloak of anonymity, is set to be formalized through an executive order to be signed on Tuesday.
The UNHRC, based in Geneva, is an agency dedicated to upholding and promoting human rights globally. In recent years, U.S. officials have criticized the council as being biased and described it as “hypocritical and self-serving.” Trump’s order will also halt future financial support for UNRWA, which plays a crucial role in delivering relief amidst the ongoing turmoil in Gaza.
This move by Trump coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House. The Israeli government has accused UNRWA of inciting anti-Semitism among Palestinian students and alleged connections between its employees and terrorist organizations. However, an independent review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna found no substantiation for these claims, asserting that UNRWA strives for neutrality.
Despite this evidence, these unfounded Australian accusations have resulted in a significant loss of international funding for UNRWA. The U.S. administration is actively fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises by slashing foreign aid, aligning with his “America First” agenda. Following his inauguration, Trump swiftly implemented a freeze on nearly all foreign aid programs, signaling a departure from previous policy norms.
President Trump plans to withdraw the U.S. from the UNHRC and cut funding for UNRWA, a significant agency aiding Palestinians. His executive order, coinciding with Netanyahu’s visit, stems from allegations against UNRWA by the Israeli government, which an independent review has found baseless. This action aligns with Trump’s “America First” campaign promise to reduce foreign aid.
Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the UNHRC and cut funding to UNRWA reflects a major shift in American foreign policy, emphasizing a strategy that prioritizes national interests over international humanitarian commitments. Despite international criticism and the lack of evidence supporting Israeli allegations against UNRWA, the U.S. administration continues to align its actions with domestic political agendas, ultimately impacting aid distributions to vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
