Congressmembers Brian Higgins and Doug Collins urge State Department to Investigate UNRWA

Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Representative Doug Collins (GA-9) led a bipartisan effort in writing to Secretary of State John Kerry regarding the use of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facilities to maintain rocket stockpiles during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In the letter, Higgins and Collins urge the State Department to conduct an independent investigation to uncover the extent to which UNRWA facilities are being misused in Gaza.

"As a major recipient of US tax dollars, UNRWA must take more robust measures to ensure its facilities are not being used to facilitate terrorism," said Congressman Higgins. "I urge the State Department to take the appropriate and necessary action."

Congressman Doug Collins said, "The resources of the international community, especially those provided by the United States, simply cannot be used in any way to further terrorism. We're very concerned about these reports and expect a conclusive State Department investigation as soon as possible."

UNRWA provides humanitarian, social services, education, and other forms of assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. However, during the recent conflict in Gaza, in which Hamas and other groups conducted terrorist operations from civilian areas, rockets were discovered at UNRWA schools on three separate occasions, constituting a major violation of international law and raising questions about the measures UNRWA is taking to ensure its facilities are not being used by Hamas or other terrorist groups.

The letter, which has 67 signatures, stresses that UNRWA should do more to prevent its facilities from being used to endanger the lives of civilians and commit acts of terrorism. In addition to requesting an investigation, the lawmakers call for more thorough screening of staff for membership in Hamas and Hezbollah and increased inspections of UNRWA facilities to ensure they are being used as intended.

Source