The European Commission has denounced the Israeli Government’s alleged “attacks” on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
In a statement published on February 29, the EC’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell praised the work of the UN in the war-torn region, despite numerous documented claims that the some members of international agency had been involved in aiding Hamas terrorists in Palestine.
“The EU commends the strong efforts of the UN and all humanitarian actors to deliver lifesaving aid in extremely dire conditions,” Borrell said, responding to a question submitted by an MEP in December.
He added that the EC also remained committed to supporting Guterres and condemned attempts to discredit the global official by Israel.
Jerusalem has vocally criticised the UN leader over his frequent criticisms of Israel, with one officially recently labelling him a “lost cause” who should be “forced out of office”.
Speaking on this issue, Borrell insisted that the EU remained a “staunch supporter” of both Guterres and the UN as an organisation, before condemning Israel’s criticisms of the agency chief.
“The EU rejects attacks against the UN Secretary-General or attempts to disqualify the UN as the fundamental body that works for peace and stability in the world,” he stated.
The deputy leader of Germany's co-governing FDP has slammed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for conflating the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria with "Israel’s legitimate right to self-defence". https://t.co/5tdEA3413C
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) November 23, 2023
Borrell’s comments came after evidence was uncovered that elements of the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) organisation helped perpetrate the October 7 attacks on Israel last year.
The revelations shocked numerous Western countries enough to spur them to pause their funding of the body, with the likes of Germany and the US opting to freeze monetary aid.
Other EU countries have refused to pull their support for the group, with Ireland even increasing its aid to the agency by €20 million after its involvement regarding Hamas was unearthed.
MEPs have also grown more hostile to Israel as the conflict with Palestine has progressed. The European Parliament voted on February 29 to demand that an “immediate and permanent” ceasefire be called in the region.
Both the centre-left Socialists & Democrats (S&D) group and the more left-leaning The Left group have claimed responsibility for the vote result, which came as part of a larger package on human rights.
“Under our leadership a progressive majority in the European Parliament just adopted a strong call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to stop the bloodshed of innocent civilians,” the S&D group wrote online.
The United Nations in 2050 will both sanction and enforce the invasions of countries that go against the worldwide “green” agenda, according to predictions aired on Ireland’s state-funded broadcaster RTÉ. https://t.co/jS9leol46C
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) November 17, 2023
