UN Security Council knocks Israel’s decision to blacklist Secretary-General

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2024-04-18_UNSC-Meeting_Palestine-Vote_0176

The United Nations Security Council has called out Israel’s decision to declare UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres persona non grata, stating that any attempt to undermine his work is counterproductive.

In a joint statement, the 15-member council stated that refusing to engage with Guterres or the UN is particularly harmful amidst escalating Middle East tensions.

The council urged nations to refrain from actions that compromise Guterres’ efforts, citing the need for cooperation and diplomacy. This development follows Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz’s blacklisting of Guterres due to his condemnation of Iran’s missile attacks, which Israel deemed insufficient.

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“Any decision not to engage with the UN secretary-general or the United Nations is counterproductive, especially in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East.”

The move restricts Guterres’ access to Gaza and the West Bank, marking the latest dispute between Israel and the UN. Israel has accused thousands of UN workers of having ties to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, allegations the UN claims lack evidence.

In response, Israel has halted visa issuances for UN officials visiting Gaza. France and the UK swiftly defended Guterres, while the US, Israel’s key ally, has now publicly supported the UN Secretary-General through the Security Council statement.

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