Israel says it has refused a visa to the UN humanitarian affairs chief, Martin Griffiths, as a result of comments by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, The Guardian reports.

It quotes Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, saying on army radio: “Due to his remarks we will refuse to issue visas to UN representatives. We have already refused a visa for the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Martin Griffiths. The time has come to teach them a lesson.”

i24News also confirmed the development, adding that the ambassador was also “considering expelling other UN officials” from the country.