UNRWA officials lobby congressional staffers against Trump terrorist designation threat

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 5 min read 100% complete by Efrat LachterJanuary 16, 2026 at 04:57 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In December, UNRWA officials, along with UNRWA USA, briefed congressional staffers to advocate against a potential Trump administration designation of UNRWA as a foreign terrorist organization. The briefing aimed to counter what they described as efforts to hinder UNRWA's humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA representatives addressed concerns about the possible designation, confirming reports of its consideration and emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such a move for a UN agency. They urged congressional offices to voice opposition and highlighted the potential ramifications for the broader UN system. The meeting also included updates from UNRWA field leadership on the operational conditions and challenges in Gaza and the West Bank.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hamas 40% United States 40% Benjamin Netanyahu 50% Mara Kronenfeld 50% Sam Rose ×250% Israel ×250% Bill Deere ×360% Donald Trump ×270% UNRWA USA ×270% West Bank ×375% Gaza Strip ×375% UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) ×1195%

Keywords

unrwa 100% foreign terrorist organization designation 90% trump administration 80% congressional staffers 70% west bank 60% gaza 60% u.n. agency 50% humanitarian work 50% terrorism sanctions 40%