Trump Withdraws US from UN Bodies Unfavorable to Israel

Washington (Quds News Network)- US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the United Nations Human Rights Council and blocking future funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The move follows his past policies of cutting support for international organizations he deems unfavorable to Israel.

Trump’s decision coincides with a visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of anti-Israel incitement and claiming some of its staff were involved in attacks against Israel.

During his first term in office, Trump halted US funding to UNRWA, questioning its value and insisting that Palestinians should restart peace talks with Israel. His administration also withdrew from the Human Rights Council in 2018, citing bias against Israel and a failure to implement reforms. The Biden administration later rejoined the body in 2021.

The US had been UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing between $300 million and $400 million annually. However, funding was paused in January 2024 after Israel accused UNRWA of participating in the October 7 military operation against Israel. The US Congress then formally suspended contributions until at least March 2025.

UNRWA, which provides aid, healthcare, and education to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, has denied the allegations.

On January 30, Israel banned UNRWA from operating in its territory or communicating with Israeli authorities. The agency has warned that its operations in Gaza and the West Bank will suffer as a result.

A series of investigations, including one led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, found that Israel had not provided evidence for its main allegations against UNRWA staff.

Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has also ordered US withdrawals from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, mirroring actions he took in his first term.

With Trump’s new order, the US will remain disengaged from the Human Rights Council as a working group prepares to review America’s human rights record later this year. While the council has no legal power, its discussions influence global pressure on governments.

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