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The United States has announced its withdrawal from the The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after accusing the U.N. agency of displaying anti-Israel bias and adding Palestine to its members.

"This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects U.S. concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

The organization, which employs around 2,000 people worldwide, most of them based in Paris, has long been the object of criticism over its use of resources and resolutions that have been perceived by Israel and other countries as biased.

Director-General Irina Bokova expressed disappointment at the U.S. decision.

"At the time when conflicts continue to tear apart societies across the world, it is deeply regrettable for the United States to withdraw from the United Nations agency promoting education for peace and protecting culture under attack," she said.

"This is a loss to the United Nations family. This is a loss for multilateralism."