Israel’s decision to declare UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres persona non grata has sparked controversy, with the UN condemning the move as “one more attack on UN staff” by Tel Aviv. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the political nature of the announcement and pledged continued cooperation with Israel at various levels.
Dujarric highlighted that the concept of persona non grata does not apply to UN staff and expressed surprise at the unprecedented move by Israel. The ban on Guterres’ entry into the country came after he called for de-escalation in the Middle East following Iran’s missile attack on Israel.
Despite Israel’s justification that Guterres did not condemn Iran unequivocally, the UN Secretary-General stood by his call for an immediate cease-fire in the region. The tense situation reflects the complex dynamics between member states and the UN, with Dujarric noting the rarity of such confrontations in his lengthy career.