Ambassadors to UN in Geneva tour Oct. 7 sites in Israel

A six-member delegation of ambassadors to the United Nations in Geneva visited Israel this week on a five-day “listening diplomacy” tour organized by the Foreign Ministry. The delegation, including envoys from Ethiopia, The Gambia, Zambia, Fiji, Mongolia, and Panama, toured sites of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack and met with a survivor. The visit aimed to foster greater understanding of Israel among UN officials, as Israel often views Geneva-based UN bodies as biased against it. Ambassador Daniel Meron stated, “Our goal is to get them to be more understanding and attentive to Israel.” The ambassadors also visited tech centers and observed interfaith interactions in Jerusalem. Fiji’s envoy, Laitia Tamata, commented, “There was an act of terror by coming across the border, and then they have successfully played the victim when there was a response.”