Israel not to renew top aid official's visa, says UN

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Israeli authorities informed the UN that Tel Aviv will not renew the visa of Lynn Hastings, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Palestine, said a UN spokesman on Friday.

"We've been informed by the Israeli authorities that they would not renew the visa of Ms Hastings past the due date at some point later this month," Stephane Dujarric told reporters during a press briefing.

Dujarric said UN personnel do not overstay their visas in any country, but added that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has "full confidence" in Hastings, without commenting on whether she would be replaced.

"I think you've seen some very public attacks on Twitter against her which were utterly unacceptable. And you know, personal direct attacks on UN personnel anywhere around the world is unacceptable and puts people's lives at risks," he added.