UN Secretary-General Condemns Iran's Attack on Israel as Tensions Escalate

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned Iran's recent missile strikes on Israel, following a controversial ban imposed on him by Israeli officials.

Guterres addressed the UN Security Council, urging an end to what he described as a "deadly cycle of tit-for-tat violence" in the Middle East.

In an earlier statement, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared Guterres persona non grata and an "anti-Israel secretary-general who lends support to terrorists".

The comments were issued in response to Guterres initially calling for a ceasefire, but not specifically mentioning the Iran attack.

Addressing the council, the UN secretary general said he had condemned the attack in April, and "as should have been obvious yesterday in the context of the condemnation I expressed, I again strongly condemn yesterday's massive missile attack by Iran on Israel".

He emphasized that these aggressive actions do not serve the Palestinian cause or alleviate their suffering.

In his remarks, Guterres also criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza, describing them as "the most deadly and destructive military campaign" he has witnessed in his tenure.

His statement came amid escalating tensions that have seen increased conflict not only between Israel and Hamas but also with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Katz's remarks reflected the Israeli government's growing frustration with Guterres's approach, particularly his earlier calls for a ceasefire that did not clearly address Iranian aggression.

Katz asserted that anyone who fails to unequivocally condemn Iran's actions does not deserve to be welcomed in Israel.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, Guterres called for a halt to the escalating conflict, warning against further violence that could destabilize the already volatile region.