Israel will stop issuing visas to UN representatives due to Guterres’ position

Israel will stop issuing visas to UN representatives due to the position of the organization’s Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This was stated by Israel’s permanent representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan, on Galei Tzahal radio.

“Because of his [Гутерриша] words, we will refuse to issue visas to UN representatives,” Erdan said.

Earlier, Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, as well as an end to “attacks on civilians, homes and hospitals” and to ensure the continued delivery of humanitarian aid. He condemned the attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel, noting at the same time, that the actions of the militants cannot be a reason “for collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

According to Guterres, the Hamas attack did not happen “in a vacuum.” He remindedthat Palestinians have been “living under a stifling occupation” for 56 years. At the same time, the resentment of the Palestinian people cannot justify Hamas’ attacks, the secretary general added. Guterres emphasized that only the coexistence of two states can ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.

On October 7, the Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel. Against the backdrop of a militant attack, the Israeli Army (IDF) launched Operation Iron Swords, and the country went into a state of war.

The UN has called the humanitarian situation in Gaza catastrophic due to constant shelling and a complete blockade of the strip. The death toll as a result of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has already exceeded 6,400 people, more than 5,000 of them are Palestinians.

Russian authorities previously condemned the Hamas attack on Israel, while noting at the same time the inadmissibility of Israeli attacks on civilian targets in Gaza. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Israel was subjected to an unprecedented brutal attack from Hamas and has the right to protection. He expressed hope for the end of the conflict and negotiations between the parties. The president has also repeatedly called for the creation of an independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.