Source Credit: AL JAZEERA
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to sever U.S. engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council and extend a ban on funding the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. This announcement comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House.
Sources confirmed that Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday to officially withdraw from both the UN Human Rights Council and extend the funding ban on UNRWA, which has long been a target of Israeli criticism. Netanyahu, who has been critical of the UN, will meet with Trump to discuss the ongoing situation in Gaza, among other issues.
The move mirrors Trump’s previous actions, such as his withdrawal from the WHO and the Paris climate agreement during his first term. His administration also pulled the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, citing bias against Israel.
In addition to the UN withdrawal, Trump’s executive order targets UNRWA, which has been a key provider of aid, health, and educational services to Palestinians. The U.S. was historically the largest donor to UNRWA, contributing hundreds of millions annually, but funding was paused in 2024 due to unproven allegations by Israel.
The timing of Trump’s orders coincides with Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, where they are also expected to discuss the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
