The United Nations Security Council has criticized Israel for declaring UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres persona non grata, warning that such actions undermine efforts to address escalating tensions in the Middle East. The 15-member council issued a joint statement urging nations to avoid steps that weaken Guterres’ role, highlighting the importance of engagement with the UN for regional stability.
Tensions rose after Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz blacklisted Guterres following his condemnation of Iran’s recent missile attacks, which Israeli officials felt was insufficient. This designation prevents Guterres from entering Gaza and the West Bank and marks a further deterioration in the already strained relationship between Israel and the UN.
Israeli authorities claim that many UN workers have links to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, groups involved in recent hostilities against Israel. However, the UN has stated that Israel has not provided evidence to support these allegations. Additionally, Israel has stopped issuing visas to UN personnel seeking to visit Gaza, adding more complexity to the situation.
While countries like France and the UK quickly defended Guterres’ actions, the Security Council’s statement marked the first instance of the U.S.—Israel’s key ally—publicly supporting the UN chief. This move signifies a notable shift in the international response to Israel’s handling of its relationship with the United Nations amid the region’s ongoing crisis.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/world/un-security-council-chides-israel-for-blacklisting-secretary-general-guterres-11727992163258.html
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