Israel-UN Relations Plummet as Secretary-General Utilizes Rare Diplomatic Measure

Israel's relations with the United Nations have reached a historic low as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN charter, urging the Security Council to press for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Israel strongly opposes a ceasefire, arguing that it needs to eliminate Hamas after an attack on October 7. Israeli diplomats have criticized the UN and called for Guterres' resignation. The Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis, while the UAE has submitted a draft resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire. Israel has also criticized UNRWA and accused it of anti-Israeli incitement.