TEL AVIV, Israel: Israel has declared UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres “persona non grata”, banning him from entering the country over Iran’s missile attack response, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said.
Following the wave of missiles, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has denounced the “broadening conflict” in the Middle East. With Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah group broadening alongside its ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Guterres slammed “escalation after escalation” in the Middle East. “This must stop. We absolutely need a truce.”
Israel’s declaration of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “persona non grata” marks a significant low in its already strained relations with the United Nations. The move reflects deep-seated grievances Israel has long harbored against the UN, accusing it of systemic bias. Israel’s frustration stems from the UN’s critical stance on its actions, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict and Israeli settlements.
Over the years, Israel has faced a number of condemnatory resolutions at the UN, with more than a third of those passed by the Human Rights Council. The UN, however, maintains that it is holding Israel accountable for violations of international law, particularly regarding its occupation of Palestinian territories and military actions in Gaza. Both sides perceive themselves as victims of bias, creating a cycle of animosity that appears increasingly intractable.
Despite these tensions, the UN continues to play a crucial role in mediating the Israel-Palestine conflict and providing humanitarian aid. However, Israel’s recent actions signal a significant rift, with the country questioning the UN’s legitimacy and relevance in addressing its security concerns.
