The Guardian view on Israel v the UN: the making of an outlaw state | Editorial

The Israeli government's decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency is seen as a deeply irresponsible move that will cripple aid to Palestinians in need. This move is part of a larger trend of escalating attacks on the United Nations by Israel's right-wing government, which is steering the nation toward rogue-state status. The government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, exhibits a brazen contempt for global norms governing human rights, conflict, and diplomacy. The current crisis began with a Hamas attack in Israel that left 1,200 people dead, but Israel's response has been wildly disproportionate, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. The UN human rights chief has condemned Israel's military for subjecting the population in north Gaza to bombing, siege, and risk of starvation, with evidence supporting genocide claims against Israel growing. Israel has also killed UN staff in Gaza and attacked UN bases in Lebanon, and officials often accuse the UN of antisemitism. The UN secretary general was recently barred from Israel for not fully condemning a missile strike by Iran on Israel. The ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The international community should be concerned about Israel's drift from international accountability and its disregard for human rights. The situation in Gaza is dire and requires a more measured and proportionate response from Israel to prevent further suffering.