- Hold on funding reflects frustration over peace negotiations
- Administration has until later this month to make a decision
Bloomberg – The U.S. has delayed paying about $125 million to the United Nations agency that serves Palestinian refugees, said two people familiar with the matter, after President Donald Trump vented his frustration about getting no “respect” or help in the peace process despite American funding.
Most nations view the status of Jerusalem, parts of which are claimed by the Palestinians, as an issue to be determined in final peace negotiations. Palestinians officials said Trump’s move disqualified the U.S. from being a mediator in any Israel-Palestinian negotiations.
Trump’s threat against UNRWA funding was popular in Israel, even though government security officials warned that it could fuel violence and strengthen radical Palestinian forces in the West Bank, said Jonathan Rynhold, director of Bar Ilan University’s Argov Center for the Study of Israel and the Jewish People.
“Public opinion does not think three moves ahead in strategic terms,” Rynold said. “It appreciates the immediate symbolism of the U.S. taking Israel’s side versus the Palestinians.”
The UN established UNRWA in 1949 to help Palestinian refugees, and it now assists millions of people, chiefly through educational and health services. It isn’t associated with the Palestinian government and doesn’t take part in peace negotiations with Israel.
