In a significant political turn, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Tuesday to withdraw the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and halt funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). According to a report by Politico, a White House official confirmed that the signing was delayed until Tuesday, heightening the anticipation surrounding this decision.
The White House has expressed strong criticism of the UNHRC, labeling it as ineffective and accusing it of being protective towards nations that commit severe human rights abuses. The administration’s document outlined that the council has shown consistent bias against Israel, unfairly prioritizing it in resolutions compared to countries like Syria, Iran, and North Korea, which collectively received less condemnation in a previous year.
UNRWA, tasked with providing aid and establishing human development for Palestinian refugees, faces mounting pressure. In a recent development, the Israeli Knesset enacted two laws aimed at terminating UNRWA’s operations within its jurisdiction and preventing any engagement between Israeli authorities and the agency. Despite Israeli demands for UNRWA to evacuate East Jerusalem, the agency remains committed to assisting affected communities in the region.
Despite Israel’s ultimatum that ordered UNRWA to halt its operations by January 30, the agency has vowed to continue delivering essential services to the occupied territories. On January 30, UNRWA reaffirmed its commitment, stating that its clinics in the West Bank remain operational and that humanitarian efforts in Gaza proceeded, emphasizing resilience in providing aid amidst political strife.
President Trump is poised to withdraw the U.S. from the UNHRC and cut funds for UNRWA, citing criticism of the Council’s bias against Israel. The Israeli Knesset has passed laws to terminate UNRWA’s operations in its territory, yet the agency continues its humanitarian services despite these pressures. The decision reflects significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy regarding human rights and Palestinian aid.
President Trump’s intention to withdraw from the UNHRC while ceasing funding for UNRWA marks a crucial shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding human rights and aid to Palestine. The ongoing tension reveals a complex balance between political pressures and humanitarian commitments, exemplified by UNRWA’s determined efforts to continue its services despite Israeli restrictions. This unfolding conflict illustrates the broader implications for both U.S. and Palestinian relations in the region.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
