World News: Israel has banned United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering the country, accusing him of bias in the ongoing Middle East conflict. The decision was announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who declared Guterres “persona non grata” for his failure to unequivocally condemn Irans missile attack on Israel.“Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Irans heinous attack on Israel, as nearly all the countries of the world have done, does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil,” Katz stated. This comes after Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles towards Tel Aviv, escalating tensions in the region.Guterres states his points Guterres, in response to the rising violence, posted on X, “I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.” However, Israeli officials criticized his failure to specifically denounce Irans aggression.I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation.This must stop.We absolutely need a ceasefire.— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 1, 2024In contrast, Guterres expressed concern over Israels military actions in Lebanon, calling for respect for Lebanons sovereignty and urging an immediate ceasefire. “I am extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and appeal for an immediate ceasefire,” he said. Israels government expressed frustration, highlighting Guterres lack of condemnation of the October 7 massacre by Hamas. Katz further accused Guterres of “backing terrorists” such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.In the wake of Irans missile strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, saying, “Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it.” Israeli defense forces intercepted many of the missiles, though some reached southern and central Israel, causing injury.
