Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, declared United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “persona non grata” on Wednesday, effectively barring him from entering Israel. Katz accused Guterres of failing to “unequivocally” condemn Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel. This decision comes as Israel continues to express dissatisfaction with the UN’s approach during its ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Katz made his strong stance clear in a post on X, stating, “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel, as almost every country in the world has done, does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil.” He further accused Guterres of supporting terrorists, referring to him as “a stain on the history of the UN.”
Read: Masoud Pezeshkian Warns Israel to Avoid Entering into Conflict with Iran
The tension between Israel and the UN heightened after Guterres condemned the ongoing escalation of violence in the Middle East, though he did not specifically call out Iran in his statement. On Tuesday evening, Guterres tweeted: “I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.”
While Israel criticized Guterres for his lack of direct condemnation of Iran, the UN chief’s comments reflected his concerns over the general escalation of violence in the region. At an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Guterres clarified his position, saying, “As I did in relation to the Iranian attack in April… I again strongly condemn yesterday’s massive missile attack by Iran on Israel.”
“Steps like these are not productive to improving Israel’s standing in the world.”
In response to the Israeli government’s decision, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the situation at a press briefing. Miller commented, “Steps like these are not productive to improving Israel’s standing in the world.” He emphasized the vital role the UN plays in the region, particularly in Gaza, stating that when the UN operates at its best, it can contribute to “security and stability.”
Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described Israel’s move as politically motivated. He added that the UN does not recognize the concept of “persona non grata” when it comes to UN staff members. Dujarric explained that the UN has faced several criticisms from the Israeli government but maintains its position on serving humanitarian and security missions in the region.
As the diplomatic fallout continues, Israel remains firm in its stance against Guterres. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has put further strain on Israel’s relationship with the UN, as the country feels its concerns about Iran and the violence in Gaza are not being adequately addressed.
Israel’s decision to bar Guterres underscores the deepening tensions between the nation and the UN over the Middle East conflict. Israel’s foreign minister remains vocal in criticizing the UN’s response to the Iranian missile attack, while Guterres continues to call for de-escalation and a ceasefire in the region. The situation highlights the complex diplomatic challenges surrounding the Israeli-Gaza conflict, with both sides standing firm in their positions.
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