U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, along with several Senate Republicans, has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to open a criminal investigation into UNRWA USA, a U.S.-based non-profit that raises funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). In a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the senators urge the DOJ to investigate UNRWA USA for providing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas.
The senators highlight the long-standing issue of UNRWA's support for Hamas and other terrorist groups. They point out that UNRWA has provided material support, including personnel, facilities, and physical materials, to these organizations, with the activities being supported by UNRWA USA fundraising. The senators emphasize that there is little doubt that UNRWA USA, its principals, and its leadership were aware of these activities.
The letter also mentions that the Biden administration has channeled hundreds of billions of dollars into the Gaza Strip, largely through UNRWA. The senators raise concerns about the potential indirect benefit that Hamas could derive from this assistance, in violation of American laws against benefiting terrorists. They argue that while the administration may have taken measures to insulate U.S. officials and organizations from anti-terrorism sanctions, American citizens cannot be exempted from criminal statutes prohibiting the provision of material support for terrorism.
Furthermore, the senators point to evidence presented by Israeli officials, alleging that numerous UNRWA staff members are affiliated with terrorist groups. They mention specific cases where UNRWA employees actively participated in terrorist activities, including the October 7 terrorist attack, where at least a dozen UNRWA employees were involved. The senators highlight the role of UNRWA in providing facilities and physical materials to Hamas, including the use of UNRWA-labeled bags to store weapons and the discovery of UNRWA supplies in Hamas's underground infrastructure.
The letter concludes by emphasizing the need to enforce American anti-terrorism laws and calling for a thorough investigation into UNRWA USA, its principals, and its leadership for potential violations.
The senators who signed the letter include Marco Rubio, Roger Marshall, Bill Hagerty, Rick Scott, Pete Ricketts, and Marsha Blackburn.
This call for a DOJ investigation reflects growing concerns about the role of UNRWA and its fundraising activities in supporting terrorist organizations. The letter provides a detailed account of the evidence and urges a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability and prevent further support for terrorism.