OIC condemns ‘Israel's intimidation’ of UN chief

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York on Friday condemned Israel's recent criticism of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Israeli top officials criticized recent remarks of Guterres on the recent escalations in Gaza, including Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, who demanded that Guterres resign "immediately," and said he is "not fit to lead the UN."

In a joint statement initiated by Pakistan, the OIC "expressed its strong condemnation of the disrespectful and intimidating remarks by Israel" and characterized the remarks as "an act of political coercion against the UN and its Secretary-General."

The group lauded the UN for its role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged residents of Gaza.

It appreciated the secretary-general's role "in drawing the attention of the international community towards the criminal Israeli attacks on civilians perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces, and for facilitating the provision of humanitarian supplies to the besieged people of Gaza."

According to the joint statement, the OIC firmly believes that the secretary-general's comments align with his responsibilities and obligations under international law, international humanitarian law, as well as the charter and resolutions of the United Nations.

The OIC group expressed its "full confidence" in Secretary-General Guterres and reiterated support for his endeavors in promoting peace and security.

The conflict in Gaza began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood-a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 8,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.