104 member states of the United Nations and the African Union signed a letter of support to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in response to Israel’s declaration of Guterres as “persona non grata.”
The countries expressed their concern and condemnation of the Israeli actions that undermine the ability of the United Nations to implement its mandate and may delay the end of hostilities and the establishment of a credible path towards a two-state solution.
The countries stated that Guterres plays a vital role in promoting the purposes of the United Nations, including maintaining international peace and security, facilitating humanitarian efforts, and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and the world.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared Guterres “persona non grata”, which means banning him from entering Israel, criticizing the Secretary-General’s failure to condemn the Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv.
For their part, the 15 members of the Security Council stressed the need for all member states of the United Nations to have a fruitful and effective relationship with the Secretary-General, and to refrain from any action that would undermine his work and the work of his organs.
The 15 countries, including the five permanent members of the United States, China, Russia, Britain and France, warned that “any resolution that does not include the Secretary-General of the United Nations or the United Nations is counterproductive, especially in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East.”