Without naming names, UN chief accuses Israel of misinformation

By REUTERS

Published: JUNE 24, 2024 23:35

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres waits for the arrival of French Foreign and European Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne before a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the crisis in the Gaza Strip at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., January 23, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/EDUARDO MUNOZ) — United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres waits for the arrival of French Foreign and European Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne before a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the crisis in the Gaza Strip at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., January 23, 2024.

(photo credit: REUTERS/EDUARDO MUNOZ)

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan said the condemnations by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were "empty words when compared to his actions."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accused Israel on Monday of spreading misinformation about him during the more than eight-month-long war between Israel and Palestinian terrorists Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

"I've heard the same source many times saying that I never attacked Hamas, that I never condemned Hamas, that I am a supporter of Hamas," Guterres told a news conference on information integrity, without naming Israel.

"I have condemned Hamas 102 times, 51 of them in formal speeches, the others in different social platforms," he said. "The truth, in the end, always wins."

Accusations that Guterres is working to ensure Hamas's future

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan said the condemnations by Guterres were "empty words when compared to his actions."

"His sole aim has been to help Hamas survive this war. We find it despicable that the secretary-general refuses to abide by the UN's standards and paints a distorted picture of events on the ground," Erdan said. "Antonio Guterres is an accomplice to terror and should resign today."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres exits the press room after speaking at the United Nations prior to a meeting about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, U.S., November 6, 2023 (credit: CAITLIN OCHS/REUTERS)

Relations between the UN and Israel have long been fraught and have only worsened during the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel accused the UN of being biased against it and has accused UN staff of working with Hamas and other terrorists. The UN is investigating some of the allegations, but has said in many cases it is yet to received evidence from Israel.