In the wake of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel, taking a firm stance against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
This came shortly after Vice President JD Vance's departure for Washington. Rubio expressed strong opposition to the agency's involvement in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, a role it has traditionally played.
"UNRWA's not going to play any role in it," Rubio declared, according to Fox News. He further criticized the agency, saying, "UNRWA became a subsidiary of Hamas." This statement underscores the U.S.'s skepticism towards the agency, which has been accused of being infiltrated by members of foreign terrorist organizations.
UNRWA, however, has defended its position and its capacity to operate in Gaza. "As the largest U.N. agency operating in the Gaza Strip, by far, UNRWA has an unparalleled logistical network, longstanding trust from the community, managing the distribution of supplies based on vulnerability and clear criteria. Our teams are ready, inside and outside Gaza. Let us work," the agency asserted.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) established a Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in southern Israel. Rubio made his remarks at this center, which is designed to be the primary hub for Gaza stabilization efforts and to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Despite the U.S.'s hardline stance, UNRWA has received support from other quarters. U.N. Secretary-General Antnio Guterres, speaking at the U.N. General Assembly last month, praised the agency's contributions to "development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security, including for Israel." He added, "UNRWA is vital to any prospects for peace and stability in the region."
However, the U.S. and Israel have remained steadfast in their opposition to UNRWA, particularly following the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to not fund UNRWA in February, citing reports of the agency's infiltration by foreign terrorist organizations and its employees' involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel.
When the International Court of Justice (ICJ) demanded in April 2025 that Israel collaborate with UNRWA, Washington backed Jerusalem's refusal, citing "ample grounds to question UNRWAs impartiality."
In August 2024, UNRWA concluded an internal investigation into allegations of its staff's involvement in the attacks. The probe resulted in the dismissal of nine staff members over evidence that "could indicate" their participation in the attacks. However, the investigation found insufficient evidence to prove the involvement of ten other staff members.
Fox News Digital reached out to UNRWA and Israel's mission to the U.N. for comment, underscoring the ongoing controversy surrounding the agency's role in the region. The unfolding situation in Gaza continues to be a test of international diplomacy and a challenge to the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.
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