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On Wednesday, Israel officially designated United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “persona non grata,” citing his failure to issue a specific condemnation of Iran’s missile assault on the country.
This significant diplomatic move stresses the growing tensions surrounding the conflict and reflects Israel’s dissatisfaction with Guterres’ response to the escalating threats from Iran.
“Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil,” said Foreign Minister Israel Katz in a statement.
“This is an anti-Israel Secretary-General who lends support to terrorists, rapists, and murderers,” he said.
Katz remarked that Guterres, whom he accused of endorsing “the murderers of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Huthis, and now Iran—the epicenter of global terror—will be remembered as a blemish on the legacy of the United Nations for generations to come.”
This strong criticism highlights Israel’s deep discontent with the UN chief’s stance on issues concerning terrorism and regional security.
Read also: Global Voices Demand Restraint After Iran Targets Israel
In response to Iran’s missile offensive against Israel late Tuesday, Guterres condemned the “growing conflict in the Middle East,” condemning the pattern of “escalation after escalation” that has become increasingly evident. His comments reflect the international community’s unease with the ongoing hostilities.
“This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” said Guterres.
The relationship between Israel and the UN has become increasingly strained, particularly following the Hamas attacks on October 7, as Israel continues to express its strong disapproval of the international body’s actions.
The Secretary-General has continually called for a ceasefire to effectively halt the fighting that has erupted in both Gaza and Lebanon.
