Israel Did Not Renew UN Representative's Visa; Hastings Forced to Leave Palestinian Territories

On Monday, the spokesperson for the United Nations announced that Lynn Hastings, the UN humanitarian coordinator in the Palestinian territories, has left the Palestinian territories after Israel did not renew her visa. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated on December 6 that the UN representative, based in East Jerusalem, had only two weeks to leave Israeli territory. According to CNN, Lynn Hastings was serving as the deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process and the UN resident coordinator in the Palestinian territories. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said during a press conference on Monday that Lynn Hastings left the country on Saturday. Meanwhile, Eli Cohen had previously stated that Israel would not renew Lynn Hastings' visa due to the 'bias of the UN.' The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General mentioned that Rick Piepkeorn, the World Health Organization representative in the Palestinian territories, would temporarily take over the management of UN humanitarian assistance as the special coordinator and resident. The spokesperson added, 'The Secretary-General thanks Ms. Hastings for her dedication, professionalism, and independence and impartiality, which she consistently demonstrated in her role.' Earlier, Eli Cohen, on December 6, wrote in a post on his X account: 'Anyone who does not condemn the massacre of 1,200 Israelis, the kidnapping of the elderly and infants, horrific torture and rape, and the use of the people of Gaza as human shields, but instead condemns Israel, a democratic country defending its citizens, should not serve in the UN and will no longer have the right to enter Israel.' Hastings, while refraining from condemning Hamas's actions, has openly criticized Israel's attacks on Gaza and called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hamas militants killed at least 1,200 people in a terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and took about 240 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. Israel began air, sea, and ground attacks on Gaza, calling for the eradication of Hamas. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. The United States has urged Israel to plan for 'moving to the next stage' of the war; Israel: gradually. Live blog: Israeli forces attack the 'World Central Kitchen' convoy in Gaza; 7 killed. The expulsion of the UN representative from Israel; the UN humanitarian coordinator did not condemn Hamas's actions. Widespread communication cuts in Gaza following increased bombings, coinciding with the expansion of the Israeli army's ground operations.