President Trump is set to sign an executive order on Tuesday, pulling the U.S. out of the United Nations Human Rights Council, as revealed by a White House official. This move follows Trump’s previous decision to sever ties with the UNHRC due to perceived bias against Israel, a stance consistent with bipartisan concerns. Additionally, the executive order will halt future funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which aids Palestinians. The Biden administration had temporarily suspended funding to UNRWA during the Israel-Hamas conflict amid allegations of staff ties to Hamas, allegations later refuted by an independent review. Notably, UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing relief to Palestinians in Gaza.
This development coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House on the same day, marking Trump’s first official meeting with a foreign leader since assuming office. The impending executive order, reported by Politico, underscores the administration’s continued stance on international relations and its approach to addressing concerns related to the UNHRC and UNRWA. The decision is expected to have significant implications for U.S. involvement in international human rights efforts and aid initiatives in the region.