Guterres Warns Israel of ICJ Action Over Controversial UNRWA Ban Laws

It's a high-stakes legal showdown at the world body. United Nations Secretary-GeneralAntonio Guterres has delivered a blunt warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He's prepared to take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if the country doesn't repeal laws targeting the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA.

The Guterres Israel UNRWA ICJ Warning Explained

According to reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera, Guterres sent a formal letter to Netanyahu on January 8, 2026. In it, he stated that the UN cannot remain indifferent to actions that are in "direct contravention" of Israel's obligations under international law. He demanded that the seizure of assets and the ban on agency operations be reversed without delay.

The legal crux involves the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN. Guterres emphasized that UN premises are "inviolable." However, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the letter on Tuesday, claiming on X that the Secretary-General is "defending an organization marred by terrorism" rather than upholding law.

A Timeline of Escalating Tensions

Israel has long alleged that 12 agency employees were involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks. While the UN fired 9 staff members who may have been involved, officials maintain that Israel hasn't provided evidence for other claims. With over 1 million displaced Palestinians relying on the agency for survival, the UN Security Council views UNRWA as the "backbone" of humanitarian aid.