Trump plans to pull the U.S. out of the UNHRC and UNRWA

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce on Tuesday that the U.S. will end its engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and maintain the suspension of funding for the UN Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, according to a White House official.

The decision coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. Netanyahu has been a vocal critic of UNRWA, accusing it of promoting anti-Israel sentiment and alleging that some of its staff have been involved in terrorist activities.

The United Nations and UNRWA have not immediately responded to requests for comment, according to Reuters.

During his first term (2017-2021), Trump had already cut U.S. funding to UNRWA, questioning its effectiveness and urging Palestinians to return to peace talks with Israel while calling for reforms within the agency. His administration also withdrew the U.S. from the 47-member Human Rights Council midway through a three-year term, citing alleged bias against Israel and a failure to implement reforms. The U.S. later rejoined the council under President Joe Biden, serving from 2022 to 2024.

A UNHRC working group is scheduled to review the U.S. human rights record in August, a routine process for all member states. Although the council lacks legally binding authority, its discussions hold political significance and can increase international pressure on governments.

Since beginning his second term on January 20, Trump has also ordered the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement—similar actions he took during his first term.

Israel vs. UNRWA

Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, praised Trump's expected decision, accusing the Human Rights Council of "aggressively promoting extreme anti-Semitism." He also claimed that UNRWA has ceased to function as a neutral humanitarian agency, instead becoming "a terrorist authority controlled by Hamas."

Last week, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini rejected these allegations, stating that the agency has been the target of a "fierce disinformation campaign" aimed at portraying it as a terrorist organization.

Previously, the U.S. was UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing $300 million to $400 million annually. However, Biden froze funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff members of participating in Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. In response, the U.S. Congress officially suspended contributions to UNRWA until at least March 2025.

UNRWA provides essential aid, healthcare, and education to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. The United Nations acknowledged that nine UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 attack and subsequently fired them. Additionally, a Hamas commander in Lebanon—killed by Israel in September—was found to have previously held a job with UNRWA. The UN has pledged to investigate all allegations and has repeatedly requested evidence from Israel, which it says has not yet been provided.

As of January 30, Israel has officially banned UNRWA from operating in its territory or engaging with Israeli authorities. The agency warns that this decision will also disrupt its operations in Gaza and the West Bank.