October 2, 2024: In a significant diplomatic move, Israel has declared United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres persona non grata, barring his entry into the country in response to what Israeli officials termed his failure to "unequivocally condemn" Iran's recent missile assault.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced the decision on Wednesday, stating, "Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran's heinous attack on Israel, as nearly all the countries of the world have done, does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil." He emphasized Israel's commitment to defending its citizens and maintaining national dignity, asserting, "Israel will continue to defend its citizens and uphold its national dignity, with or without Antonio Guterres."

This declaration follows a major escalation in hostilities, as Iran launched over 400 missiles toward Israel, prompting civilians to seek shelter and briefly closing the country's airspace. In the aftermath, Guterres expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. On social media platform X, he stated, "I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire."

However, Israeli officials deemed his response insufficient, insisting that a strong condemnation of Iran's actions was necessary. Katz's comments reflect a growing frustration within the Israeli government regarding the international community's response to Iranian aggression.