Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, led a delegation of dozens of UN ambassadors into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, marking what the Israeli mission described as the first time UN ambassadors have entered the territory.
The delegation visited a Hamas tunnel inside Gaza as part of an Israeli-organized tour intended to highlight the terrorist organization's military infrastructure and the security challenges Israel continues to face.
The visit began at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the communities devastated during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack. The ambassadors were shown the destruction left by the massacre before crossing into Gaza, where they toured a Hamas tunnel.
IDF Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor accompanied the delegation throughout the visit, providing a security briefing on conditions on the ground, Hamas's military infrastructure, and the threats facing Israel.
According to the Israeli mission, the visit was intended to emphasize the need to prevent Hamas from rearming or regaining control of Gaza as part of any future arrangements for the territory.
Danon warns against reconstruction under Hamas control
The Israeli delegation also sought to challenge what it described as a misinformation campaign surrounding humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly accusations that Israel is responsible for the humanitarian crisis.
"We brought the UN ambassadors into the terror tunnels so they could see the truth with their own eyes and debunk the lies of the 'winter campaign,' which claims that Israel is responsible for the humanitarian crisis," Danon said during the visit.
"Our message is clear: As long as Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, there will be no reconstruction. Hamas continues to arm itself and work to rebuild its terrorist capabilities," he added.
Israel outlines conditions for Gaza's future
The Israeli mission stressed that any future arrangement for Gaza must prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities and infrastructure or renewing attacks against Israeli civilians.
The unusual diplomatic visit comes as questions surrounding Gaza's future governance, reconstruction, and security arrangements remain at the center of international discussions.
The Israeli mission did not immediately provide a full list of the participating ambassadors.