New York, 28 October 2023 (TDI): The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israel’s recent criticism of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on October 27.
Top Israeli officials, such as Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, who called on Guterres to step down “immediately” and declared that he is “not fit to lead the UN,” denounced recent comments made by Guterres over the latest escalation in Gaza.
The OIC issued a joint statement at the initiative of Pakistan strongly denouncing Israel’s disrespectful and intimidating remarks.
It described these remarks as “an act of political coercion against the UN and its Secretary-General.”
According to the joint statement, the Secretary General’s statements are in line with his obligations under international humanitarian law, the UN charter, and resolutions.
As stated in the statement, “we reaffirm our support for the Secretary-General’s efforts to promote peace and security, uphold the UN Charter, and express our full confidence in him.”
The organizations praised the UN for its efforts in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the beleaguered citizens of Gaza.
In addition to easing the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the besieged people of Gaza, it recognized the secretary-general’s contribution.
This contribution was “bringing the international community’s attention towards the criminal Israeli attacks on civilians perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces.”
The OIC is adamant that the secretary-general’s remarks are in line with his duties and commitments under international humanitarian law, international law, the UN charter, and resolutions, as stated in the joint statement.
The OIC reaffirmed its “complete confidence” in Secretary-General Guterres and its backing for his efforts to advance security and peace.
The battle in Gaza started on October 7 when the Palestinian organization Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multifaceted surprise attack that involved missile launches and air, sea, and land infiltrations into Israel.
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According to Hamas, the raid was carried out as payback for Israeli settlers’ increasing brutality against Palestinians and their takeover of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Subsequently, the Israeli military began to strike Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip nonstop.
In the fighting, around 8,500 people have died—at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.
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