More than 100 countries criticize Israel for labeling UN leader "persona non grata"
More than 100 UN member states have endorsed a letter backing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
West Jerusalem has accused Antonio Guterres of not “unequivocally condemn[ing]” Iran’s missile attack directed at the Jewish state.
Over 100 UN member states have come together to sign a letter backing UN chief Antonio Guterres, criticizing the Israeli government's choice to deny him entry into the country.
This petition, sparked by Chile, emerged after Israel labeled the UN secretary-general persona non grata on October 2, following accusations that he hadn’t “unequivocally condemn[ed]” Iran.
In response to Iran’s attack, Guterres expressed being “extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon” and denounced the overall intensification of conflict in the Middle East, stating it involved “escalation after escalation.”
He subsequently remarked that it “should have been obvious” that he condemned “yesterday’s massive missile attacks by Iran on Israel.”
In a letter disseminated by Chile’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, which reportedly garnered the signatures of 104 UN nations along with the African Union, the members articulated their “deep concern” and “condemnation of the recent statement from the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs.” They argued that such actions “undermine the United Nations’ ability to carry out its mandate, which includes mediating conflicts and providing humanitarian support.”
The letter continued by stating that, “In the Middle East, this could further delay an end to all hostilities and hinder the establishment of a credible path toward a two-state solution,” highlighting that Guterres’ role is “crucial to ensuring dialogue, facilitating humanitarian efforts, and promoting peace and stability worldwide.”
The signatories reaffirmed their “full support and confidence” in Guterres and his dedication to “peace and security” as well as to “promoting respect for international humanitarian law.” They called for “meaningful dialogue” to resolve the hostilities and attain lasting peace in the region.
In defense of the move to blacklist Guterres, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz asserted that the decision was based on his “antisemitic and anti-Israeli behavior” and he indicated that it would not be changed.
“Guterres can continue trying to gather signatures in his support within the United Nations, but the decision will remain unchanged,” Katz stated on X on Saturday.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Over 100 UN member states have come together to sign a letter backing UN chief Antonio Guterres, criticizing the Israeli government's choice to deny him entry into the country.
This petition, sparked by Chile, emerged after Israel labeled the UN secretary-general persona non grata on October 2, following accusations that he hadn’t “unequivocally condemn[ed]” Iran.
In response to Iran’s attack, Guterres expressed being “extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon” and denounced the overall intensification of conflict in the Middle East, stating it involved “escalation after escalation.”
He subsequently remarked that it “should have been obvious” that he condemned “yesterday’s massive missile attacks by Iran on Israel.”
In a letter disseminated by Chile’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, which reportedly garnered the signatures of 104 UN nations along with the African Union, the members articulated their “deep concern” and “condemnation of the recent statement from the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs.” They argued that such actions “undermine the United Nations’ ability to carry out its mandate, which includes mediating conflicts and providing humanitarian support.”
The letter continued by stating that, “In the Middle East, this could further delay an end to all hostilities and hinder the establishment of a credible path toward a two-state solution,” highlighting that Guterres’ role is “crucial to ensuring dialogue, facilitating humanitarian efforts, and promoting peace and stability worldwide.”
The signatories reaffirmed their “full support and confidence” in Guterres and his dedication to “peace and security” as well as to “promoting respect for international humanitarian law.” They called for “meaningful dialogue” to resolve the hostilities and attain lasting peace in the region.
In defense of the move to blacklist Guterres, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz asserted that the decision was based on his “antisemitic and anti-Israeli behavior” and he indicated that it would not be changed.
“Guterres can continue trying to gather signatures in his support within the United Nations, but the decision will remain unchanged,” Katz stated on X on Saturday.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
