Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "Why It’s Time to Defund UNRWA" | Episode 1.12.25

Introduction

In the January 12, 2025 episode of Morning Wire, hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, the focus centers on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The episode delves into the organization's controversial role in the aftermath of the Hamas October 7 terror attack against Israel, highlighting allegations of terrorist affiliations among UNRWA staff and the implications of continued funding by Western nations.

UNRWA Under Scrutiny

John Bickley opens the discussion by addressing the intensified scrutiny UNRWA has faced since the October 7th attacks. He states, “Since the Hamas October 7 terror attack against Israel, a highly controversial Palestinian aid group has come under intense scrutiny” (00:03). The episode sets the stage for a deep dive into the organization's operations and funding, questioning the efficacy and intentions behind its continued support.

Evidence of Terrorist Ties

The primary guest, Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, provides a detailed account of UNRWA’s alleged connections to terrorism. Neuer explains, “Over the past 10 years… we discovered that UNRWA teachers regularly were glorifying terrorist attacks, glorifying Adolf Hitler, calling to slaughter Jews, jihad against the West” (01:07). He highlights the case of Fatih al Sharif, a key figure within UNRWA’s education system in Lebanon, who was found to be inciting violence and maintaining ties with Hamas. Neuer recounts, “They sent him a slap on the wrist, but they wouldn't fire him” (02:24), emphasizing the organization's inadequate response to these revelations.

US Funding and Policy Shifts

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around US funding. Neuer points out, “The Biden administration directed over a billion dollars to the group before pausing funds last year” (00:03). He criticizes the administration for reinstating funding after the Trump administration had cut it, noting the lack of due diligence. “The State Department… were funneling over a billion dollars to UNRWA every year” (05:22). However, he remains optimistic about recent legislative changes, mentioning, “The US has frozen funding for UNRWA until March” (05:22) and anticipates further freezes under the incoming Trump administration.

International Response to UNRWA

Neuer outlines the growing international movement to defund UNRWA, citing actions by countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. He states, “The Netherlands voted a couple weeks ago to begin cutting funding for UNRWA… Sweden… voted to immediately defund UNRWA” (05:16). These moves are portrayed as significant steps towards isolating the organization on the global stage, though major contributors like France, Germany, the UK, and Canada continue their support.

Lack of Accountability Within the United Nations

Addressing UNRWA’s internal accountability, Neuer is critical of the organization’s handling of extremist elements. “There have been a few pretend gestures, but never have the donors of UNRWA actually ever attempted to do anything serious” (07:30). He highlights instances where UNRWA staff with known Hamas ties were only temporarily suspended, allowing them to continue their roles within the organization. This lack of stringent measures, according to Neuer, perpetuates the cycle of resentment and dependency among Palestinians.

Future Steps to Defund UNRWA

Looking ahead, Neuer emphasizes the necessity of global leadership to dismantle UNRWA. “We need leadership… new Secretary of State, incoming Marco Rubio to take leadership and really speak to their allies” (11:25). He calls for major Western democracies to halt funding, arguing that UNRWA’s mission has strayed from its original purpose of aiding Palestinian refugees to inadvertently supporting terrorism and perpetuating conflict. Neuer also references comments from international figures, such as the Swiss Foreign Minister, to bolster his argument that UNRWA is counterproductive.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Bickley acknowledging the disturbing revelations discussed. “You outlined a lot of disturbing things. I think the most disturbing though is how openly these members of UNRWA were supporting terrorism and a bunch of countries from the west just seem to turn a blind eye to it” (13:22). The conversation underscores the urgent need for reassessment of UNRWA’s role and funding, advocating for a strategic shift to prevent the organization from continuing its alleged support of extremist activities.

Notable Quotes

• John Bickley [00:03]: “Trust in the media is at an all-time low. And there’s a reason—endless virtue signaling and manufactured outrage.”

• Hillel Neuer [01:07]: “UNRWA teachers regularly were glorifying terrorist attacks, glorifying Adolf Hitler, calling to slaughter Jews, jihad against the West.”

• Hillel Neuer [05:22]: “The US has frozen funding for UNRWA until March. I'm hopeful the incoming Trump administration will reinstate that freeze, will sustain that freeze.”

• Hillel Neuer [07:30]: “There have been a few pretend gestures, but never have the donors of UNRWA actually ever attempted to do anything serious.”

• Hillel Neuer [11:25]: “We need leadership… new Secretary of State, incoming Marco Rubio to take leadership and really speak to their allies.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Morning Wire presents a compelling argument against continued funding of UNRWA, backed by detailed accounts and evidence provided by Hillel Neuer. It calls for robust international action and leadership to address what UN Watch identifies as deep-rooted issues within the organization, ultimately advocating for its dissolution to foster peace and stability in the region.