UN condemns Israel’s 'persona non grata' declaration

NEW YORK

A coalition of 104 U.N. member states, along with the African Union, condemned on Friday Israel's decision to declare Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "persona non grata."

The group voiced strong support for Guterres in a statement.

The statement, signed by the countries, including Türkiye, criticized Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz’s decision and argued that giving Guterres the "unwelcome" label undermines the U.N.'s mandate.

"In the Middle East, this could further delay an end to all hostilities and the establishment of a credible path towards the two-State solution, with the state of Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions," it said.

The statement said the 104 nations reaffirmed full support and confidence in the U.N. chief and his work.

"We are confident of his commitment to peace and security, and alignment with International Law including in promoting respect for international humanitarian law, and the relevant United Nations resolutions regarding the situation in the Middle East," it noted.

It also urged respect for the U.N.'s leadership and its mission.

"We call upon all parties to avoid actions that could weaken the critical role of the United Nations in conflict resolution and, instead, to support initiatives that contribute to a peaceful and lasting solution of the crisis in the Middle East," it added.

Israel recently declared Guterres "persona non grata" and barred him from entering the country. The decision followed Guterres’ demand for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Israel accused Guterres of failing to mention Iran by name or explicitly condemn Tehran for its alleged involvement in recent rocket attacks.

Guterres condemned the escalation of violence in the Middle East and urged an immediate cease-fire but did not directly refer to Iran’s role.