Demand for Immediate Restoration of UNRWA Funding by Biden Administration

American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) vehemently condemns Israel's unverified allegations that 12 employees of The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) may have been involved in the events that took place on October 7th. 

Only a few hours after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled against Israel in the case brought before it by South Africa, the Department of State announced its hasty decision to suspend U.S. funding to UNRWA in response to allegations that an immeasurably small fraction of its staff (0.0004%), were somehow involved in the October 7 attacks. The Biden Administration's blatant hypocrisy reaches new heights as they hastily suspend funding humanitarian aid to Palestinians based on unproven allegations, all the while continuing to provide financial support for an ongoing genocide despite irrefutable evidence of Israel's egregious violations of the Genocide Convention, international humanitarian law and U.S. laws. This flagrant double standard not only undermines justice but further implicates the United States in perpetuating Israel’s human rights abuses. AMP demands an immediate reversal of this indefensible decision and an unwavering commitment to align with the principles of justice and accountability that the President swore to uphold during his presidential campaign. 

The unquestioning acceptance of Israel's accusations without demanding concrete evidence is unacceptable, especially considering the pivotal role UNRWA plays in delivering indispensable aid to 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

This abrupt action is a blatant intensification of Israel’s collective punishment against Palestinians. It is particularly distressing given the ongoing humanitarian crisis and famine in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's ongoing genocide, aided and abetted by the Biden Administration. The timing of these allegations, coupled with a well-documented historical pattern of Israel's decades-long quest to question and undermine UNRWA's legitimacy, reveals a calculated effort to sever the last remaining humanitarian lifeline to Palestinians in Gaza.

For over a decade, UNRWA has been a lifeline for Gaza, grappling with a relentless land, air, and sea blockade. The Biden administration's decision mirrors the actions taken during the Trump administration and starkly contradicts recent provisions by the International Court of Justice. The ICJ's unequivocal directives mandate Israel to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

AMP demands that the Biden Administration retract its statement regarding these allegations and immediately reinstate funding to UNRWA. This is not just a matter of urgency; it is an imperative step to prevent the further deterioration of an already dire humanitarian situation. It is also vital that funding is restored so that the United States does not act in contravention of the fundamental principles outlined by the international community.

In solidarity,
American Muslims for Palestine