Sir, – No conflict in global history has occurred in the absence of context.
And yet, when the United Nations secretary general António Guterres mentioned the context of the situation in Gaza and Israel, Israel’s ambassador to the UN demanded his resignation (“Israel demands resignation of UN chief as Middle East tensions flare”, News, October 25th).
Mr Guterres spoke fairly, respectfully, rationally and in a measured manner.
The UN, according to its website, exists as “the one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity.”
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How can the UN engage in such crucial work without acknowledging the context of global conflicts?
The violence and preventable loss of human life in Palestine and Israel over the past 70 years can only be brought to an end through discussion, and by acknowledging the context of the situation.
Peace, through open discussion, is the answer. Not more angry words and violence. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS HENEGHAN,
Dublin 3.
