Israel Severs Ties with UN Chief Over Sexual Violence Blacklist
Israel has severed all contact with UN Secretary-General António Guterres after being blacklisted for alleged sexual violence in conflict zones, a decision Israeli officials deemed 'outrageous' and 'absurd'.
Ambassador Danny Danon announced the move in a video, stating, 'We are done with this secretary-general' and criticizing the UN for 'spreading lies' by placing Israel alongside Hamas on the list. The Israeli Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, calling the inclusion 'shameful' and evidence of the UN's 'politicised and corrupt' nature.
The UN's annual report on conflict-related sexual violence, set to be published, allegedly cites 'credible information' of sexual violence by Israeli security forces against Palestinians in detention, despite UN inspectors being denied access. Hamas is listed for abuses during its October 2023 attack and hostage treatment.
Relations between Israel and the UN have hit an all-time low since the 2023 conflict, with Israel previously declaring Guterres 'persona non grata'. The UN spokesman responded that Guterres' 'door remains open' despite the rift.
