Memphis Standard

Jan 26, 2024

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has expressed her support for the State Department's decision to temporarily pause additional funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In a statement released today, Senator Blackburn highlighted the need to address UNRWA's history of antisemitism and its employment of individuals affiliated with Hamas.

Senator Blackburn has been vocal about the issue since Hamas' attack against Israel on October 7. She has consistently raised concerns about UNRWA's associations and has taken action to halt funding to the group. In fact, she introduced legislation to cut off financial support to UNRWA.

In addition to her efforts to cut funding, Senator Blackburn has actively sought answers regarding reports of a UNRWA teacher holding an Israeli hostage. She has also drawn attention to the fact that UNRWA educators have been linked to antisemitism and support for terrorism. A fact check conducted by UN Watch further corroborated these claims.

Senator Blackburn has been consistent in her stance against providing aid to UNRWA, particularly in light of concerns that humanitarian assistance intended for Gaza could potentially fall into the hands of Hamas. Along with her colleagues, she has urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to reject President Biden's request for Gaza humanitarian aid.

In an op-ed piece, Senator Blackburn emphasized that helping Palestinians should involve eradicating Hamas rather than funding it, as proposed in President Biden's aid package.

Senator Blackburn's statement reflects her unwavering commitment to addressing the concerns surrounding UNRWA and ensuring that U.S. funding is not inadvertently supporting antisemitism or terrorism.