Cyprus Times

Guterres Warns Israel of Referral to The Hague

Published January 14, 2026, 10:09
Guterres Warns Israel of Referral to The Hague

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned Israel that it could be referred to the International Court of Justice in The Hague if it does not revoke legislation targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and return the agency's funds and property. In his letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr. Guterres stressed that Israel's actions violate international law and must be reversed immediately. The Knesset had previously approved a law prohibiting UNRWA from operating in Israel and contact with its staff. The Israeli government has criticized UNRWA for years, and recently accused agency staff of involvement in Hamas's October 7th attack. The UN has pledged to investigate all allegations thoroughly. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon dismissed Mr. Guterres' warning, accusing the UN of defending an organization tarnished by terrorism.