Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, has raised concerns about the potential diversion of American taxpayer funds to Hamas. Cotton's letter to the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) highlighted the possibility that some of the $1 billion in aid sent to Gaza may have ended up in the hands of Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
The senator criticized the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for its alleged ties to Hamas terrorists, calling for an immediate halt to all aid to Gaza. Cotton expressed worries about the misuse of humanitarian aid and suggested that the Biden-Harris administration may have inadvertently supported Israel's enemies through aid funding.
UNRWA, a major U.N. humanitarian assistance conduit in Gaza, has faced accusations of collaborating with Hamas. However, UNRWA's Washington Office Director refuted Cotton's claims, stating that the agency is not a USAID partner and denying allegations of aid diversion.
In response to the allegations, a USAID spokesperson denied providing funding to UNRWA and emphasized the agency's risk mitigation procedures. The U.S. State Department clarified that U.S. funding to UNRWA ceased in January following allegations of staff involvement in attacks.
Israeli lawmakers have taken steps to cut ties with UNRWA, with a bill proposed to declare the agency a terrorist entity. The U.S. Congress has also moved to freeze funding to UNRWA and recover previously donated funds.
Despite the controversy, UNRWA continues to play a critical role in providing essential services to Palestinians in various regions. The agency has faced scrutiny over its neutrality and alleged ties to terrorism.
Recent developments include the seizure of UNRWA's headquarters land in Jerusalem by the Israel Land Authority for housing development. The move comes amid ongoing revelations of UNRWA's alleged involvement in supporting Hamas activities.
