The United Nations has removed a controversial quilt panel artwork that depicted a map of Israel resembling a watermelon without the West Bank or Gaza partition. The painting featured the Palestinian flag in the top right-hand corner and phrases such as 'From the River to the Sea' and 'Will be Free,' alluding to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The phrase 'From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will be Free' has been a rallying cry for Palestinians but is viewed by Israelis as a call for genocide and the eradication of Israel. Israel's permanent representative to the U.N., Danny Danon, criticized the display as a 'disgrace' and demanded its removal.
The U.N. clarified that the artwork was part of the 'Peace Flags' exhibit aimed at repurposing fashion waste for positive impact. However, certain panels, including the controversial one, were deemed inappropriate for display and were covered up in early October.
Despite efforts to conceal the panel, it was repeatedly uncovered, prompting the U.N. to involve security personnel to investigate the unauthorized interference. Following Danon's public criticism, the U.N. ultimately decided to remove the panel entirely.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the Secretary-General stated that the matter was being addressed and that they were in communication with the Israeli ambassador. The U.N.'s handling of the situation has sparked debates around freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and diplomatic relations.
