United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that Israel could face proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) if it does not reverse measures taken against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Guterres conveyed his warning in a letter dated 8 January to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to TRT World.
In the letter, Guterres cautioned that unless Israel repeals the law targeting UNRWA and returns the seized assets and property, the UN may take the matter to the ICC. He emphasized that Israel’s actions constitute a direct violation of its obligations under international law.
“The UN cannot remain silent on Israel’s actions,” Guterres wrote. “They are contrary to international law and must be immediately rescinded.”
The dispute stems from a law passed by Israel’s parliament in October 2024, which banned UNRWA operations in the country and prohibited Israeli officials from engaging with the agency. Last month, Israel amended the law to cut off electricity and water supplies to UNRWA-run facilities. Israeli authorities also seized UNRWA’s East Jerusalem office, despite the UN’s position that East Jerusalem is occupied territory. Israel, however, claims sovereignty over the entire city.
Israel rejected Guterres’ letter. Its UN ambassador, Danny Danon, said on Tuesday: “We are not intimidated by the Secretary-General’s threats. He is threatening Israel without addressing allegations that UNRWA staff are linked to terrorism. This is not an example of upholding international law.”
UN officials and the Security Council have repeatedly described UNRWA as a backbone for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, providing long-term education, health, and relief services to Palestinian populations.
Earlier, in October, the ICC’s top legal body issued an advisory opinion affirming that Israel is legally obliged under international law to ensure the basic needs of Gaza’s civilian population. While ICC rulings carry significant legal and political weight, they are not directly enforceable, as the court lacks its own enforcement powers.
Source: TRT World.