US EditionIsrael Denies Visa Extension for Top UN Official over Gaza War Criticism
ISRAEL, JUL 20 – Israel accuses UN humanitarian chief of biased reporting and violating neutrality, forcing him to leave by August amid ongoing tensions over Gaza coverage.
- On Friday, Eri Kaneko said Israel refused requests to extend Jonathan Whittall’s visa, the head of UN OCHA operations in Israel.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar instructed officials not to extend Whittall’s residency permit, citing `biased and hostile conduct against Israel, which distorted reality, presented false reports, slandered Israel, and even violated the UN’s own rules regarding neutrality`.
- Whittall said `Gaza contains conditions created to kill`, adding `It appears to be the erasure of Palestinian life`.
- The decision forces Jonathan Whittall out at month's end, as Israeli authorities will not extend his visa beyond August, Eri Kaneko said.
- Recently, visas for OCHA workers were renewed for shorter periods and requests to visit Gaza were rebuffed, impacting humanitarian operations, Eri Kaneko said.
21 Articles
21 Articles
kreiszeitung.de
Once again, many people have been killed in Gaza, according to UN statements, in the delivery of relief supplies. Israel is strongly criticized by the World Food Programme.
His behavior is "discriminatory and hostile," said Foreign Minister Saar.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has ordered the visa of the head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Jonathan Wittol, not to be extended.
Israel denies visa extension for top UN official over Gaza war criticism
Israel's Foreign Ministry said that senior UN official's statements 'violated UN neutrality' by criticizing Israel. Aid groups warn his visa refusal will 'cause further harm' to humanitarian aid in Gaza, where his role is 'key for coordination and access' amid ongoing conflict
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources lean Right
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