Israel has formally requested the replacement of the United Nations' top humanitarian official for the Palestinian territories, marking an escalation in its relationship with the global body as the U.N. grapples with what is proving to be the deadliest humanitarian crisis in its history, according to three sources.
The Israeli government informed the U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland earlier this month in writing that it will not renew the visa for Lynn Hastings, the U.N. resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, when it expires this month. It has urged the U.N. to appoint a replacement that can earn the trust of the Israeli government.
The U.N. appears likely to yield to Israel’s demand and has already begun a search for Hastings’ replacement, according to two well-placed sources familiar with the situation. A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres did not respond to a request for comment on Israel’s demand, or on whether it plans to comply. Israel’s mission to the U.N. declined to comment. Hastings did not respond to a request for comment sent to her work email address.
About the author
Colum Lynch
Colum Lynch is an award-winning reporter and Senior Global Reporter for Devex. He covers the intersection of development, diplomacy, and humanitarian relief at the United Nations and beyond. Prior to Devex, Colum reported on foreign policy and national security for Foreign Policy Magazine and the Washington Post. Colum was awarded the 2011 National Magazine Award for digital reporting for his blog Turtle Bay. He has also won an award for groundbreaking reporting on the U.N.’s failure to protect civilians in Darfur.
