UN Chief Defends Remarks on Hamas, Denounces Misinterpretations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres rejects misrepresentations of his remarks that Hamas's recent massacre "didn't happen in a vacuum," clarifying that he was not justifying acts of terror. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, rejects Guterres's explanation and calls for his resignation. In response, Israel has ceased issuing visas to UN officials as a punitive measure. Guterres's comments drew outrage in Israel, with government officials demanding retractions and apologies. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and has launched intensive strikes in Gaza, while the Hamas-controlled health ministry reports over 6,500 Palestinian deaths, including Hamas members and civilians killed by misfired rockets.