Israel Confronts UN Official Over Gaza 'Genocide' Claims with Critical Questions

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon has sharply criticized a senior United Nations official over statements made regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, asserting that the remarks "shattered any notion of neutrality."

The controversy arose after Tom Fletcher, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, addressed the Security Council on Tuesday. Fletcher accused Israel of imposing "inhumane conditions" on civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, saying that most of Gaza "is either within Israeli-militarized zones or under displacement orders."

In his statement, Fletcher went further, warning of a looming genocide and calling on the international community to act decisively to uphold humanitarian law. "So, for those killed and those whose voices are silenced: what more evidence do you need now? Will you act – decisively – to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law?"

Fletcher said to the council, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He described catastrophic shortages of supplies, with aid trucks reportedly barred from entering the region for ten weeks. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and the population faces famine and starvation, he added. Danon’s response was swift and pointed. In a formal letter, he accused Fletcher of making an "utterly inappropriate and deeply irresponsible" statement. Danon wrote, "You had the audacity, in your capacity as a senior U.N. official, to stand before the Security Council and invoke the charge of genocide without evidence, mandate, or restraint."

He argued that Fletcher's use of the term "genocide" constituted a "desecration and subversion of a term with unique force and weight." According to Danon, Fletcher failed to maintain impartiality, instead using the Council as a stage for a "political sermon."

The debate comes amid worsening violence in the region. While much of Fletcher's remarks centered on Gaza, he also condemned increasing attacks in the West Bank. On Wednesday, a pregnant Israeli woman, Tzeela Gez, was killed in a shooting while en route to give birth. Doctors managed to save her baby, who remains in serious but stable condition, according to reports.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs responded to Danon's criticism through spokesperson Eri Kaneko, who clarified Fletcher’s intent. Kaneko stated, "As Mr. Fletcher made clear in his Security Council remarks, it is for legal bodies to consider whether a genocide is taking place - Mr. Fletcher's point is that the world must take decisive action to prevent genocide and ensure respect for international humanitarian law."

When asked if Fletcher directly accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, the office maintained that "the official's words speak for themselves," emphasizing the suffering of ordinary people throughout Gaza.

Danon further questioned the authority by which Fletcher chose to use the term "genocide" and expressed frustration, noting that Israel had cooperated with Fletcher and his office in good faith.

Key points in Danon's letter:He challenged Fletcher’s legal and moral authority to level such accusations.Argued the statements were not neutral but deeply political.Pressed Fletcher to consider what efforts had been made to prevent attacks such as October 7 and release hostages held by Hamas.

The OCHA spokesperson reiterated Mr. Fletcher's condemnation of Hamas-led attacks and his repeated calls for the release of hostages. Fletcher was reportedly "deeply moved" during a visit to the kibbutz of Nir Oz earlier this year, where one in four residents was killed or taken captive during the violence.

The heated exchange underscores growing tensions between Israeli officials and the United Nations, raising questions about the neutrality and role of international agencies as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.