Israeli foreign minister recalls envoy to UN without consulting Premier Netanyahu

Katz says decision made over 'UN attempt to silence a report that accuses Hamas of committing rapes on Oct. 7'

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz recalled permanent representative to the UN Gilad Erdan from New York without consulting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.

Katz said he made the decision to recall Erdan over what he alleged "attempt to silence a serious report at the UN on the mass rapes committed by Hamas and its associates on October 7."

Katz also slammed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for not convening the Security Council to discuss a report by the UN special envoy on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, which said there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred at several locations during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters.

The Israeli foreign minister described his move as unprecedented and exceptional.

The Israel Hayom newspaper said Netanyahu was not notified about Katz's decision to recall Erdan from New York.

The Hamas group is yet to comment on Patten's report but previously denied a report by the New York Times that alleged rape and sexual violence on Oct. 7 against Israeli women.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar

Kaynak:

This news has been read 133 times in total