Israel urges UN chief to resign after remarks on Hamas attack

In the midst of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, tensions have been further exacerbated by remarks from the UN’s secretary general, António Guterres, concerning the Gaza war.

Controversial Comments

During an address to the Security Council on Tuesday, Guterres made comments regarding the origins of Hamas’ attacks in Israel. 

According to reports, he condemned unequivocally Hamas's deadly attacks in Israel two weeks ago but that they “did not happen in a vacuum”.

Israel’s reaction

Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, reacted to Guterres’ statements, accusing him of justifying acts of terrorism. 

In light of the remark, Erdan has called for the secretary general’s immediate resignation.

Guterres’ response 

On Wednesday, Guterres rejected “misrepresentations” of his statement.

However, Erdan said in reply that the UN chief “once again distorts and twists reality”, and repeated his call for Guterres to resign.

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