in Palestine Saturday 7 November Sun 28° and falling · sets into Gaza’s sea at 16:48Sun 28° · sets 16:48 Previewing
inpalestinetoday Bringing the world closer to Palestine, one story at a time.
Get The Day by email

The Day · Friday 12 December 2025

Filed 11:49 · Palestine time (UTC+2) · Gaza

09:53–13:13Midday

Sun 30° to 30° · noon, sun 35° 11:33

Sun 35°

US Considers Terrorism-Related Sanctions on UNRWA

The United States is considering imposing terrorism-related sanctions on UNRWA. This move signals a significant shift in Washington’s approach toward the agency. The development raises concerns among observers about its broader implications for operations linked to the Palestinian cause.

DEIR AL BALAH, GAZA – JULY 15: Palestinians and UN workers examine the destroyed makeshift tents and shelters after Israeli attack hits a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) school, killing and injuring many in Nuseirat Refugee Camp of Deir al-Balah, Gaza on July 15, 2024. ( Abed Rahim Khatib – Anadolu Agency )

The United States is weighing the possibility of imposing terrorism-related sanctions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This consideration has stirred attention across diplomatic and humanitarian circles, marking a notable moment in the relationship between Washington and the agency operating in Palestinian territories.

The potential move comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding the international approach to Palestinian issues. UNRWA has long provided services in areas such as Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Sanctions of this nature, if pursued, would represent a departure from previous policy frameworks and could influence operational dynamics on the ground.

Meanwhile, questions are being raised on the timing and nature of such considerations. The link between supposed terrorism-related concerns and UNRWA’s activities remains under scrutiny, yet no formal claims or details have been made public. In addition, the agency’s role in serving Palestinian refugees in regions affected by longstanding conflict heightens the stakes associated with any punitive measures.

From its side, UNRWA has not issued a response to the possibility of US sanctions as reported. The impact of such measures, should they materialize, could affect the agency’s ability to maintain facilities and fieldwork. Observers stress that even the consideration of labeling a UN body under terrorism clauses reflects deeper geopolitical calculations tied to the ongoing occupation and resistance observed in Palestinian territories.

Furthermore, the suggestion of sanctions stirs fears regarding further marginalization of Palestinian rights within international institutions. The move may set a precedent with implications beyond the humanitarian sphere, potentially affecting diplomatic engagement and funding streams connected to critical services in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.

The political weight of such a measure underscores the charged environment facing organizations involved in Palestine. Resistance movements and civil society actors often view moves of this nature as attempts to pressure institutions that provide support to vulnerable populations enduring daily hardships under military occupation and siege.

Meanwhile, Palestinians across affected areas continue to voice concerns over international approaches that, in their view, contribute to erosion of rights and support systems. Voices within Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem point to a pattern of targeting institutions linked to Palestinian resilience and survival under longstanding oppression.

As the deliberations continue within US circles on whether to pursue terrorism-related sanctions on UNRWA, the implications remain profound. The development comes as the broader Palestinian resistance maintains its calls for justice, sovereignty, and acknowledgment of historical displacement. Agencies like UNRWA have long been embedded in the fabric of daily life in areas affected by war and occupation. Any shift in their standing comes under intense scrutiny.

This development is being closely watched by human rights defenders, communities across the Palestinian territories, and concerned observers worldwide. The pathway chosen by the United States in this instance may signal a critical stance toward entities seen as central to the sustaining of life and dignity under occupation.

12 Dec, 11:49

The rest of the day

  • Loyalty Bloc Denounces Lebanese Government’s Concessions to Israel

    The Loyalty Bloc in Lebanon has expressed strong opposition to what it describes as the government’s free concessions to Israel. The bloc has called for an immediate halt to these actions, emphasizing its refusal to remain silent on policies it sees as compromising national and regional principles.

  • Trump’s Agenda Risks Dangerous Turn in US Foreign Policy

    Trump’s agenda is reportedly redirecting US foreign policy toward a dangerous downturn. This shift signals potential changes in the international arena as policy directions under Trump raise concern. The exact nature of the danger remains undefined, but the trajectory points to heightened instability. Observers note the development with caution, questioning future implications.

  • Freedom Flotilla Coalition Reveals 2026 Gaza Sailings and Urges Intensified Global Efforts

    The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has announced expanded sailings to Gaza scheduled for 2026. The move comes as the coalition calls for increased global action. The announcement signals continued commitment to Gaza-bound missions in the face of ongoing challenges.

  • Israel Accepts US Request to Fund Gaza Debris Clearing, Reports Yedioth Ahronoth

    Israel has agreed to a request from the United States to cover the costs of clearing destruction in Gaza, according to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth. The Israeli decision reportedly comes in response to direct appeals from Washington, with no further details disclosed in the media outlet’s brief.

  • Israeli Energy Minister Signals Imminent Gas Export Agreement with Egypt

    The Israeli energy minister has stated that a gas export deal with Egypt is expected to be finalized within weeks. The announcement highlights an imminent phase in energy relations involving Israeli resources and Egyptian cooperation, amid ongoing developments in the region.

  • Iran’s Foreign Minister to Visit Beirut Following Lebanese Invitation for ‘New Chapter’ in Ties

    Iran’s foreign minister has accepted an official invitation from Lebanon to visit Beirut, signaling what both parties refer to as a ‘new chapter’ in bilateral relations. The visit, confirmed by both sides, marks a continuation of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

  • US Muslim Group Seeks Records on Florida Governor’s Talks with Israeli Officials

    A US-based Muslim group is demanding access to records concerning the Florida governor’s communications with Israeli officials. The request signals heightened scrutiny over potential collaborations and dialogues pursued by the state government. The group’s demand centers on transparency and seeks to uncover the nature of interactions between Florida leadership and Israeli authorities.

  • Palestinian Doctor Shot and Injured by Israeli Forces in Occupied West Bank

    Israeli forces have shot and injured a Palestinian doctor in the occupied West Bank. The incident reflects continued tensions in the area, as confrontations persist under the ongoing occupation. The condition of the injured doctor remains unknown, with no further information released. The shooting adds to a pattern of events that has drawn concern from rights observers and communities on the ground.

  • MEMO Holds Conversation with Motasem A Dalloul

    MEMO conducted a direct conversation with Motasem A Dalloul. The discussion forms part of ongoing engagements focusing on key voices in the region. The exchange shed light on perspectives within the current atmosphere without disclosing further detail. The involvement of MEMO and Motasem A Dalloul signals continued dialogue.

  • Microsoft Faces Legal Action Over Role in Israel’s Genocide in Gaza

    Legal proceedings have been initiated against Microsoft over its alleged role in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The move signals growing pressure on international corporations linked to the ongoing aggression. The development comes amid broader scrutiny of foreign involvement in the situation in Gaza. No further details have been formally released.

The Day, at first light

The running order in your inbox as the sky over Palestine starts to lighten. Tomorrow that is 05:36 Palestine time, and a little later each day.

inpalestinetoday