Trump Calls for U.S. Withdrawal from UN Rights Council and Cuts Funding for Palestinian Relief Agency

Trump plans to withdraw the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council and extend the halt of funding for UNRWA.
The decision coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington.
The U.S. has historically been the largest contributor to UNRWA.
Trump criticizes the UN for not meeting its potential and indicates a review of U.S. contributions to UNESCO.
Netanyahu's government has accused UN bodies of bias against Israel.

In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump has announced plans to formally withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council and halt funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). According to reports, this announcement was timed with AP News detailing Trump's executive orders on the matter, which will take effect following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sources such as Voice of America highlighted Trump's earlier promise of withdrawal, stating that the U.S. had already ceased its engagement with the Human Rights Council in 2022. Trump's criticism stems from what he believes are "chronic biases" against Israel within the UN bodies, emphasizing that there needs to be more fairness in the UN's operations.

Historically, the U.S. has been the largest contributor to UNRWA, providing between $300 million and $400 million annually. However, subsequent allegations linking UNRWA personnel to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks have led to a funding freeze by the U.S. and multiple countries, despite UN investigations finding insufficient evidence against UNRWA employees. Trump's closure of funding will last until March 2025, and this aligns with a broader pattern of cutting ties with international agencies, as seen when he previously withdrew from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement.

In his statements, Trump reiterated his belief that the UN could do more to settle global disputes but criticized the current state of its management, expressing discontent with the U.S. funding dynamics, which account for about 22% of the core UN budget. He mentioned in a press briefing that the UN has “to get their act together” to utilize its substantial potential for global peace and stability.

The move has drawn criticism from advocates and democrats who argue that ceasing funding undermines humanitarian efforts in the region. The UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, defended the UN's critical humanitarian work for millions of Palestinians affected by ongoing conflicts, particularly in Gaza.

This latest policy change is reminiscent of Trump's prior administration's strategies and has prompted discussions about America's future engagement with international bodies. The U.S. remains in an informal observer capacity at the Human Rights Council, allowing it to continue participating in discussions regarding global human rights issues, albeit with limited influence.

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Trump's actions signal a continuation of the U.S.'s historically complex relationship with the UN and its commitment to Israeli interests.

For more details, visit Al Jazeera for their full coverage on this story.