Israel has decided to suspend automatic visas for United Nations staff, citing heightened tensions arising from the conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
Criticizing the UN’s actions since October 7, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eli Cohen, condemned the Secretary-General for legitimising war crimes, the Human Rights Commissioner for disseminating baseless accusations, and UN Women for overlooking acts of rape against Israeli women for two months, VisaGuide.World reports.
In a December 25 post on X, Cohen emphasized that the UN’s conduct has been a disgrace to both the organization and the global community.
I instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to extend the visa of one of the organization’s employees in Israel, and to deny the visa request of another employee.
Tensions between Israel and the UN have intensified recently, fueled by the UN’s repeated calls for a cease-fire in Gaza. In addition, data provided by the Health Ministry in Gaza revealed that more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began.
Israel remains resolute in its mission to dismantle Hamas, the governing body in Gaza since 2007, and its military capabilities. This commitment follows the October 7 attack by the militant group, which resulted in about 1,200 fatalities in Israel. Additionally, Israel announced its decision to discontinue collaboration with those supporting Hamas’s terrorist propaganda.
Numerous UN officials have denounced the October 7 attacks by Hamas, but recent weeks have seen an increased focus on calls for a cease-fire and enhanced aid efforts.
Last week, the UN Security Council passed a resolution urging an escalation in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Following its incursion into Israel on October 7, Hamas is believed to have taken over 240 people hostage, releasing about 100 individuals during a week-long cease-fire last month.
Last month, the US announced it plans to ban visas for Israeli individuals involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. A recent Cabinet memorandum instructs agencies to develop policy options for swift action against those responsible for violent conduct in the region.
The potential bans target individuals or entities engaged in activities threatening West Bank security, intimidating civilians to displace them, or committing human rights abuses that impede the two-state solution.