Written By Lisa Murimi
Israel has barred United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres from entering the country, following his response to Iran’s missile bombardment.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, labeled Guterres as an “anti-Israel secretary-general who lends support to terrorists” in a statement on Wednesday.
Guterres’ comments, made after Iran launched approximately 180 missiles into Israel, sparked the diplomatic rift.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Guterres condemned the escalating conflict in the Middle East, calling for a ceasefire.
However, his failure to specifically denounce Iran’s attack drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials.
Katz declared Guterres persona non grata, stating that anyone who could not “unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil.”
He also pointed to Guterres’ perceived anti-Israel stance throughout the ongoing conflict.
This comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israel continuing its military campaign in Gaza following the October 7 attack by Hamas that killed around 1,200 people.
The conflict has seen a significant death toll in Gaza, rising to over 41,600, and increased hostilities between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed forces.
This move deepens the divide between Israel and the United Nations, already strained by disputes over Gaza and the role of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
