UN could take Israel to top court over laws targeting its aid agency for Palestinians and seizure of compound

NEW YORK: The UN has warned it is considering referring Israel to the International Court of Justice over recent Israeli legislation targeting the UN’s relief agency for Palestinians, and the seizure of one of its compounds in occupied East Jerusalem.

In a letter to Israeli authorities, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “grave concerns” over amendments passed by the Israeli parliament last month banning the provision of basic utilities and essential services, such as electricity, water, telecommunications and banking, to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

The amendments, adopted by the Knesset on Dec. 29, also allow Israeli authorities to take possession of land and facilities used by UNRWA.

Guterres said these measures violate Israel’s obligations under international law and the UN Charter.

“The United Nations cannot remain indifferent to these actions,” he wrote, warning that unless Israel reverses course, the country could be referred to the International Court of Justice under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN.