**US Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council**
The United States is expected to leave the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 4. This decision comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington.
Netanyahu has been critical of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. He accuses the agency of promoting anti-Israel sentiment and claims that some staff members have ties to terrorism. The US halted funding for UNRWA during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021.
The Human Rights Council is set to review the US human rights record in August. While it lacks legal authority, its discussions carry significant political weight.
**US Freezes Funding for Palestinian Refugees**
The US will also extend a freeze on funding for UNRWA. The agency provides essential aid and services to millions of Palestinian refugees. The US was previously UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing between $300 million and $400 million annually.
In January 2024, the Biden administration paused funding after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA employees of involvement in the deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023.
