Tel Aviv: Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been declared ‘persona non grata’ in the country and is now barred from entering Israel. The decision comes after what Katz described as Guterres’ failure to unequivocally condemn Iran’s recent attack on Israel.
“Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel, does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil,” Katz stated, referring to the rocket barrage launched by Iran on October 7. Katz further criticized Guterres for not addressing the massacre and sexual atrocities committed by Hamas during the same period. “Israel will continue to defend its citizens and uphold its national dignity, with or without António Guterres,” he added.
In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Katz reinforced his stance: “Today, I have declared UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres persona non grata in Israel and banned him from entering the country.”
Today, I have declared UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres persona non grata in Israel and banned him from entering the country.
Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel, as almost every country in the world has done, does not deserve to step…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) October 2, 2024
The tension stems from escalating violence in the region. In response to a barrage of nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran towards Israel, the US military coordinated with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to intercept the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Iranian assault, calling it a “big mistake” and warning that Tehran would face serious consequences.
איראן עשתה הערב טעות גדולה – והיא תשלם על כך. pic.twitter.com/B2yppgGqcE
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 1, 2024
While the international community reacted swiftly to the crisis, Guterres issued a statement calling for an end to the intensifying conflict. “I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” the UN Chief said.
I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation.
This must stop.
We absolutely need a ceasefire.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 1, 2024
As the conflict in West Asia continues to unfold, Israel’s decision to bar Guterres has deepened diplomatic rifts, adding complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.
