UN warns Israel over UNRWA laws
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Jan 13, 2026 · Last updated Jan 14, 2026
This event signifies escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel and the United Nations, potentially leading to further legal action at the International — International Criminal Court. Such developments can increase market uncertainty in the Middle East, affecting regional investments and commodity prices, particularly oil, due to heightened instability.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned Israel that he may refer the country to the International — International Criminal Court if it does not repeal recent laws targeting the UNRWA and return property seized from the agency. Israel's Knesset passed legislation in October 2024 banning the UNRWA from operating in the country and prohibiting officials from contacting the agency. The law was amended last month to bar electricity and water from being supplied to UNRWA facilities, and Israeli authorities also seized the agency's eastern Jerusalem offices. Israel has long criticized the UNRWA for alleged cooperation with Hamas, with accusations intensifying after Israel provided evidence in 2024 that UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Despite these allegations, the International — International Criminal Court recently ruled that Israel must facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through UN agencies, including the UNRWA. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, sharply rejected António Guterres' warning, accusing him of trying to intimidate Israel and whitewash crimes committed by the UNRWA.
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