JAKARTA | BL – Israel has officially declared United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as persona non grata after his call for a ceasefire following an Iranian missile strike targeting Israel. Guterres also condemned the escalation of conflict across the Middle East region.
The missile strike from Tehran on October 1, 2024, was reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s assassination of leaders from Hamas, Hezbollah, and an Iranian general stationed in Lebanon. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that Guterres would no longer be allowed entry into the country.
“Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s vile attack on Israel has no right to set foot on Israeli soil,” Katz stated. He further criticized Guterres for failing to condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7 attacks and for not taking action to label Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Israel accused Guterres of siding with terrorists and stated that his actions would be remembered as a stain on the history of the UN. According to Israel, Guterres has offered support to groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran.
Following the Iranian strike, Guterres expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the region. In a post on platform X (formerly Twitter), he called for a ceasefire to halt the spread of violence.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin also weighed in on Israel’s decision, noting that it effectively excludes the UN from mediating the conflict. “With this decision, Israel seems to be dismissing any role for the UN in peace efforts,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
Israel’s decision comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, sparking fears of a broader regional war. (Red/Andik)
