Following the UN’s official inclusion of Israel and Russia on its “black list” on Friday, May 29, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced a formal suspension of relations with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Diplomatic Fallout at the UN
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the suspension of ties after the United Nations officially added the country to its blacklist on Friday, May 29. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, labeled the decision an “act of vileness,” asserting that equating a democratic state with Hamas terrorists is unacceptable.
Israeli authorities stated the decision followed months of communication between their delegation and the UN, during which Israel provided documentation and explanations regarding allegations of sexual violence during the armed conflict.
Escalating Tensions with Guterres
The conflict with António Guterres has deepened significantly over the past year. In June 2024, the UN placed Israel alongside Hamas on a “list of shame” for violating children’s rights in armed conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by accusing the UN of joining the supporters of Hamas murderers.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz previously declared the UN an “antisemitic and anti-Israeli organization” under Guterres’ leadership. Relations have been strained since October 2023, when Israel first called for the Secretary-General’s resignation following his remark that the Hamas attack “did not happen in a vacuum.”
Addressing Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is defined as any non-consensual sexual contact. UNICEF data indicates that approximately 15 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 have experienced such violence globally, yet only one percent seek professional assistance. Studies show that 80 percent of rape victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Support for victims is available through services such as the “Blue Line” telephone clinic or the Women’s Rights Center intervention line.