UN Agency Warns of Possible U.S. Terrorist Label

Officials from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) have warned U.S. lawmakers of a potential major policy shift. They told congressional staffers that the Trump administration may soon designate their entire agency as a terrorist organization. Such a designation would have severe consequences. It would criminalize providing any support to UNRWA. This includes U.S. government funding, which totaled over $300 million last year. UNRWA provides essential services. It supports education, healthcare, and relief for millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. The agency employs thousands of local staff. The briefing aimed to outline the drastic impact of this potential move. UNRWA officials argued it would destabilize the region and worsen a humanitarian crisis. The Trump administration has been highly critical of UNRWA. It has already sharply reduced U.S. contributions to the agency. A formal terrorist designation, however, would be an unprecedented step against a U.N. body. No final decision has been announced. The White House has not commented on the reported plans.