Israeli envoy and UN official trade shouts at hearing on children in armed conflict

Reuters—A UN Security Council hearing on the protection of children in armed conflicts turned into a public confrontation when Israel's ambassador and a senior UN official began shouting at each other before international cameras. The exchange reportedly began when the Israeli envoy objected to the UN's characterization of Israeli military operations in Gaza and the scope of harm to children. The UN official, defending the body's findings on child casualties, reportedly told the Israeli diplomat to 'be quiet,' drawing a sharp retort. The incident encapsulated the bitter standoff between Israel and the UN over accountability for harm to civilians in the Gaza conflict. Diplomats from other countries called for a return to order as the exchange derailed the formal proceedings.

• Reuters — The confrontation took place at a formal UN hearing specifically focused on children in armed conflict.
• NDTV — The Israeli envoy and a senior UN official broke into a shouting match at a New York Security Council meeting.
• Hindustan Times — The UN official reportedly told the Israeli diplomat 'you will be quiet now,' triggering the confrontation.
• The Straits Times — Israeli envoy and UN official clash over children in conflict