Israel Cuts Ties with UN Amid Gaza Conflict Escalation
Israel's Break with the UN
On Thursday, Israel declared a complete severance of ties with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, intensifying the ongoing tensions between Tel Aviv and the UN amid the Gaza conflict and accusations of sexual violence related to the war. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, made this announcement in a video shared on X, criticizing an upcoming UN report as 'outrageous' for allegedly placing Israel on a blacklist concerning sexual violence in conflict zones.
'We Are Done': Israel
Danon expressed, “We are done with this secretary-general.” He condemned the decision to include Israel on the blacklist, asserting that it was 'outrageous' to accuse the nation of employing sexual violence as a weapon of war. He further stated, “The secretary-general and his team continue to spread lies against Israel. To equate us with Hamas terrorists is unacceptable.”
Israel’s foreign ministry also criticized the UN, labeling the inclusion on the list as 'shameful and absurd.' Oren Marmorstein, a spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry, remarked on X that this action exemplifies the UN's true nature as a politicized and corrupt entity that has strayed from its founding principles and primarily targets Israel.
The Israeli mission to the UN later confirmed that it would cease all communication with the secretary-general’s office as long as Guterres remains in his position. In response, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric acknowledged Israel’s stance but emphasized that 'the secretary-general's door remains open.'
The annual UN report on conflict-related sexual violence is typically shared with relevant nations prior to its release. Last year, the report indicated that Israel might be added to the list due to allegations involving Palestinian detainees in prisons and detention centers.
The UN stated it had received 'credible information' regarding alleged sexual violence by Israeli security forces but claimed that inspectors were denied access to the facilities. Danon stated, “We invited the representative of the UN to come to Israel to investigate these ridiculous allegations. They chose not to come.”
Relations between Israel and the United Nations have significantly worsened since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. Israel has consistently accused Guterres and senior UN officials of bias in their criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza. In 2024, Guterres was labeled 'persona non grata' by Israel. Additionally, Israel has accused staff from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, of complicity in the October 7 attack.
(With inputs from agencies)