Outrage Grows: UN Chief Guterres Condemns Israel but Ignores Druze Massacre in Syria
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel for airstrikes in Syria while ignoring the brutal massacre of Druze civilians, sparking harsh criticism from Israeli officials.
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UN’s Guterres Condemns Israel, Remains Silent on Druze Massacre in Syria
In a move that Israeli officials are calling both predictable and shameful, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israeli actions in Syria while failing to mention the recent brutal massacre of Druze civilians by Syrian militias.
One-Sided Condemnation Raises Eyebrows
On Thursday morning, Guterres released a statement criticizing Israel's military operations in Syria, which were reportedly aimed at protecting the Druze minority. He stated:
“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing escalation of violence in Syria and unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians.”
However, Guterres notably avoided any reference to the Druze community, whose members have been targeted in recent days by violent militias in southern Syria.
He further added:
“I condemn Israel’s serious airstrikes and reports of IDF troop redeployments in the Golan Heights,” and called for an “immediate halt to all violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Israeli Officials Fire Back
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen responded strongly:
“Guterres’ hypocrisy is astounding. While he expresses deep concern for Hamas terrorists, he allows militias in Syria to slaughter members of the Druze community.”
He continued:
“While your failing organization gives a green light to terrorism, we will not remain silent as our Druze brothers are massacred in Syria.”
Israeli Ambassador to the UN: A Moral Breakdown
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, issued a scathing rebuke:
“UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres continues to display a shocking moral failure. While Druze civilians are being brutally slaughtered in Syria, he chooses silence once again.”
Danon added:
“Instead of calling for urgent action, he condemns Israel—the only nation acting against the forces of darkness in the region.”
“The institution he leads failed after the atrocities of October 7th, when it couldn’t muster the basic moral clarity to condemn the massacre. Today, after the Druze massacre in Syria, the disgraceful silence continues,” Danon concluded.
Context: Who Are the Druze and Why It Matters
The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority primarily located in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. In southern Syria, they have faced increasing threats from extremist militias during the civil conflict. Israel has historically taken action to protect Druze populations near its border, viewing them as allies and even family, given the close ties with the Druze community within Israel.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Silence
Guterres’ failure to address the Druze massacre while criticizing Israeli defensive actions has sparked serious concerns about bias and moral clarity at the United Nations. Israeli leaders argue that when international bodies choose silence in the face of ethnic massacres, they betray the very values they claim to uphold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres say about Israel? He condemned Israel’s airstrikes in Syria and called for respect for Syrian sovereignty but did not mention the attacks on the Druze community.
2. Why is Israel involved in Syria’s conflict? Israel conducts limited military operations in Syria to prevent threats from Iranian-backed militias and to protect the Druze population near its borders.
3. Who are the Druze? The Druze are a minority religious group found in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. They have a unique faith and strong community identity.
4. What was the Israeli response to Guterres’ statement? Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Ambassador Danny Danon, harshly criticized Guterres for ignoring the Druze massacre while condemning Israel.
5. Has the UN responded to the criticism? As of now, there has been no response from Guterres or the UN regarding the backlash from Israeli officials.
6. Why is the Druze massacre significant? The massacre underscores the vulnerability of minority groups in Syria’s ongoing conflict and highlights what critics call the UN’s selective outrage.