Israel’s Bold Move Against UN Official
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the revocation of a senior UN humanitarian official’s residency permit, citing allegations of spreading misinformation about the Gaza conflict.
Controversial Comments Lead to Action
Jonathan Whittall, head of OCHA in Israel, faced backlash for his April statement that Gazans were ‘slowly dying’ due to the war’s effects, leading to Israel’s decision to block his visa.
Broader Implications for UN Relations
This incident highlights the growing tension between Israel and certain UN agencies, with Israel making it increasingly difficult for officials from OCHA, OHCHR, and UNRWA to obtain visas since the war’s onset in October 2023.