UNITED NATIONS: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) group at the United Nations on Thursday deplored the “disrespectful and intimidating” remarks recently made by top Israeli envoys against UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, saying the 57-member organization has “full confidence” in his leadership.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan on Tuesday accused the UN chief of “justifying terrorism” in his statement in Security Council meeting on Gaza, and called for his immediate resignation. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen endorsed his diplomat’s remarks.
Guterres had said that although nothing could justify the “appalling” attacks by Hamas of October 7 which triggered the siege and bombardment of Gaza City, it was imperative to recognize they “did not happen in a vacuum” and did not justify the collective punishment of Palestinians.
On Wednesday, the UN chief rejected “misrepresentations” of his statement, saying he was shocked by Israeli envoys’ “false” claims.
In a statement, initiated by Pakistan, the OIC termed the Israeli remarks as an “act of political coercion against the United Nations and its Secretary-General.”
UN chief appreciated
It appreciated the Secretary-General and the role of UN agencies in drawing the attention of the global community towards the “criminal Israeli attacks” on civilians by the Israeli military, and for providing humanitarian supplies to Gaza’s besieged people.
The Secretary General’s remarks, the statement said, were consistent with his responsibilities and duties under international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter and resolutions.
