Israel declines visa to UN top official to ‘teach a lesson’: report

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Israel says it has refused a visa to the UN humanitarian affairs chief, Martin Griffiths, as a result of comments by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, The Guardian reports.

It quotes Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, saying on army radio: “Due to his remarks we will refuse to issue visas to UN representatives. We have already refused a visa for the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Martin Griffiths. The time has come to teach them a lesson.”

i24News also confirmed the development, adding that the ambassador was also “considering expelling other UN officials” from the country.

 Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Gilad Erdan addresses the press on the situation in the Middle East at the United Nations Headquarters on October 24 in New York City. — AFP
Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Gilad Erdan addresses the press on the situation in the Middle East at the United Nations Headquarters on October 24 in New York City. — AFP

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