1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

The decision to defund the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is deeply concerning, especially given the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. UNRWA provides vital aid and services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region, including healthcare, education, and food assistance. Cutting off funding will only exacerbate the suffering and deprivation faced by these vulnerable communities. The allegations against UNRWA staff being linked to Hamas are unsubstantiated and lack credible evidence, as outlined in UNRWA's official statement refuting these claims (www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/serious-allegations-against-unrwa-staff-gaza-strip). UNRWA itself has strongly refuted these claims and launched investigations, while humanitarian groups have defended the agency's crucial role. Denying UNRWA funding based on unproven accusations is unjustified and counterproductive. I urge you to reconsider this measure and reinstate full funding for UNRWA. The agency's work is essential for maintaining stability and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories. Cutting off aid will only breed further despair and insecurity, undermining efforts towards a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict.