Bipartisan lawmakers threaten UN funding over Israel concerns

In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel resulting in over 1,200 deaths, American lawmakers expressed strong discontent regarding the U.N.'s actions. A letter sent to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted concerns over a 'one-sided' advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. This opinion characterized Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as unlawful and called for reparations while demanding an end to the occupation. Lawmakers, led by Representatives Jared Moskowitz and Mike Lawler, argued that the U.N. has taken a biased stance against Israel, raising serious questions about the organization's neutrality. With 124 countries voting to demand an end to Israel's occupation and only 14, including the U.S., voting against it, many lawmakers perceive this as further evidence of hostility toward Israel. Given that the U.S. is the largest donor to the U.N., accounting for roughly one-third of its budget, the letter conveys a warning that continued hostile actions could lead to a reevaluation of American funding. This sentiment reflects a growing divide within Congress regarding support for Israel and its recent military actions in Gaza, which have also drawn criticism from various quarters, including some Democrats. As debates continue over funding and support for Israel, the letter illustrates the complexities and tensions of U.S. foreign policy in relation to Middle Eastern conflicts, especially amidst calls for ceasefire and humanitarian considerations concerning the Palestinian population suffering from the ongoing war.