Boise City Wire

U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for the disbandment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In an op-ed published in the Washington Times, Senator Risch highlighted the corruption and ineffectiveness of UNRWA, stating that it violates the principle of humanitarian aid.

Senator Risch pointed out that UNRWA facilities, including schools, have been used by Hamas as hideouts for rockets and tunnels, rather than serving the needs of vulnerable Palestinian children. He also noted that many UNRWA teachers have documented ties to Hamas and promote antisemitic and anti-Israel content, which goes against UNRWA's mandate of neutrality. Senator Risch expressed concern that UNRWA has been instrumental in teaching generations of Palestinians to hate Israel.

Moreover, the senator criticized the Biden administration for reversing the decision made by former President Donald Trump to terminate funding to UNRWA. He argued that the administration's claim of resuming funding to promote reforms has proven to be false, as no meaningful reforms have taken place. Instead, UNRWA's support for terrorism has only intensified.

Senator Risch proposed that disbanding UNRWA is the only viable solution. He suggested the establishment of a new organization that would support vulnerable Palestinians while ensuring that funds do not promote extremism. This new organization should undergo comprehensive financial audits conducted by a neutral third party, acceptable to both Israel and the Palestinians, to ensure transparency and fiscal integrity.

Furthermore, Senator Risch called for increased vetting of all organization employees operating in the region to ensure that they have no ties to terrorist organizations, have not engaged in terrorist activities, and have not supported anti-Israel or antisemitic rhetoric. He emphasized that these expectations are reasonable when it comes to the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars and stressed the need to stop funding terrorism immediately.

In conclusion, Senator Risch urged the international community to move away from UNRWA and embrace a new approach that prioritizes the well-being of both Palestinians and Israelis. He argued that the sooner the world pivots away from UNRWA, the better off both parties will be.

Read the full op-ed on the Washington Times website.