Oppose defunding UNRWA, uphold diplomacy and human rights

The United States must uphold its position as an advocate for peace and diplomacy in the international community, including in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The United States must uphold its commitment to human rights and the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. No funds should be removed or reallocated from the United Nations or UNRWA. I strongly oppose S.3717, the bill which seeks to designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization and cut off funding to it. UNRWA provides vital humanitarian aid and essential services like education and healthcare to over 5 million Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Defunding or designating UNRWA as a terrorist group would cause immense suffering, destabilize the region further, and undermine prospects for peace. Such actions also risk emboldening extremist groups by cutting off humanitarian lifelines.