UN Chief Denies Justifying Hamas Attacks Amid Israel Accusations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has rejected accusations by Israel that he justified attacks by Hamas on Israel. Guterres clarified that his statement to the Security Council was aimed at pleading for the protection of civilians in the war between Israel and Hamas, and that he unequivocally condemned the attacks by Hamas. Israel's U.N. Ambassador called Guterres' speech "shocking" and called for his resignation, while Israel's Foreign Minister canceled a planned meeting with Guterres. Guterres emphasized the need to set the record straight and expressed his respect for the victims and their families.