It's not related to anything other than Israel's (rightfully) insulted pride. A person in a position such as Falk should have enough common sense to not make such stupid comments. He's playing in international diplomacy at the highest level and his lack of judgement doesn't speak well for his competency. Stop blaming Israel and start blaming Hamas, they're the real crooks who are playing both sides.

Please don't construe this as a defense of any nation's position or activities; but 'combat zones' and 'military operations' areas are 'easy targets' for claims of human rights violations. If you want to 'expose' or 'exploit' violent scenes for 'propaganda purposes that is where you go.

They are probably going to state that it's for the envoy's protection, but I would bet they want to 'sanitize' the area, making it less likely to be easily cited for abuses. I don't think it is as much sinister as it is diplomatically expedient to try to curtail (and otherwise control) an inspector's route.

I still think they've got plenty to hide though. Even many 'loyal' Israeli citizens often claim to be appalled by the brutality and horrors to which the Palestinian people are being subjected.

Israel has not ratified the UN Human Rights Council treaty, neither has the US. Neither of them are members of the council and have the power to ignore and block any policy in their nations.

That is why the envoy is blocked.