The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has issued a strong condemnation of Iran’s missile attack on Israel following the escalating tensions that led to Israel declaring him persona non grata.
It was earlier reported that Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, accused Guterres of aiding terrorism in the Middle East due to his earlier statement on the incident.
On Tuesday, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel, forcing millions across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory to seek shelter.
Guterres’ statement condemning the attack came hours after Israel banned him from entering the country.
In his Wednesday remarks, Israel’s Foreign Minister said, “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 foot on Israeli soil.”
Katz’s declaration followed his claims that the UN Chief failed to properly condemn Iran’s aggression.
In response, Guterres clarified his position on X saying, “As I did in relation to the Iranian attack in April – and as should have been obvious yesterday in the context of the condemnation I expressed – I again strongly condemn yesterday’s massive missile attack by Iran on Israel.”
He further noted that such attacks do not aid the Palestinian cause or alleviate their suffering, pointing to the broader consequences of the conflict.
The Secretary-General’s remarks aim to reaffirm the UN’s stance on violence in the Middle East, amidst ongoing diplomatic and regional tensions.
