(JNS) The U.S. on Tuesday announced a major cut in its current funding of UNRWA, the United Nations agency dedicated solely to Palestinian refugees, while calling for reforms to the organization.

According to the State Department, the U.S. sent UNRWA $60 million to keep the agency operating through the end of the year, but withheld additional planned funding of $65 million, while encouraging other countries to share the burden.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon lauded the decision.

“UNRWA has proven time and again to be an agency that misuses the humanitarian aid of the international community and instead supports anti-Israel propaganda, perpetuates the plight of Palestinian refugees and encourages hate,” he said.