Panhandle Times

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and 13 of his colleagues from the House Foreign Affairs Committee have written a letter urging Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States' Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), to condemn UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his remarks regarding the recent attacks in Israel.

In the letter, the Members express their concern over Guterres' comments made on October 24, 2023, where he implied that the terrorist attacks by Hamas on innocent people "did not happen in a vacuum." They call on Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield to denounce these remarks and emphasize that the United States does not support justifications of actions by terrorist organizations.

"The remarks made by Guterres is a notable shift away from previous statements in 2017," the Members write. They remind the Ambassador that Guterres had promised to take action against the rising global tide of anti-Semitism and had acknowledged "the denial of the right of the State of Israel to exist." They argue that blaming Israel for the brutal reign of Hamas over the people in Gaza is unjust and undermines the principles of peace, diplomacy, and fairness.

The letter was led by Congressman Moran and co-signed by Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Rick Allen (GA-12), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Randy Weber (TX-14), Brian Babin (TX-36), Keith Self (TX-03), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Ben Cline (VA-06), and Jake Ellzey (TX-06).

The Members of Congress are urging Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield to address these remarks promptly and make it clear that the United States stands firmly against any justifications for terrorism. The full letter can be read on Congressman Moran's official website.

This development highlights growing concerns among lawmakers about the UN Secretary-General's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Congressman Moran and his colleagues point out, Guterres' recent remarks are inconsistent with his previous commitments to combat anti-Semitism and support Israel's right to exist.

The letter also underscores the ongoing debate over the role of the UN in addressing conflicts and promoting peace. By calling on Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield to condemn Guterres' comments, the Members of Congress are emphasizing the need for strong and principled leadership within the UN.

Congressman Moran and his colleagues have taken a firm stand against any attempt to shift blame onto Israel for the actions of terrorist organizations. Their letter serves as a reminder that the United States remains committed to supporting its ally and holding accountable those who seek to undermine peace in the region.

As the United States continues to navigate complex international relations, it is crucial for policymakers to address instances where the principles of fairness, diplomacy, and peace are compromised. The letter from Congressman Moran and his colleagues is a significant step in advocating for a just and balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

###

To find out more, go to this link: https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=263