UN Relief Chief Martin Griffiths, who made headlines in February after claiming that “Hamas is not a terrorist group,” announced on X Monday that he was resigning from his position in the United Nations.
The 72-year-old is resigning for reasons relating to his health, LBC reported. Griffiths contracted COVID-19 in late 2023 and is reportedly now suffering with long-COVID.
“After 3 years on the job, I have informed @antonioguterres of my intention to step down in June,” Griffiths wrote. “To everyone at @UNOCHA, it's been the privilege of my life. I am deeply in your debt.
“To all partners and supporters, thank you for championing the cause of people in crises.”
After 3 years on the job, I have informed @antonioguterres of my intention to step down in June.To everyone at @UNOCHA, it's been the privilege of my life. I am deeply in your debt.To all partners and supporters, thank you for championing the cause of people in crises.
— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) March 25, 2024
‘Hamas is not a terrorist group’
Griffiths told a representative from Sky News last month that he did not consider Hamas to be a terrorist group.
Asked about the feasibility of Israel’s military goal to eliminate Hamas and disallow the terrorist group from having any governing say in Gaza, Griffiths responded, “Hamas is not a terrorist group for us; as you know, it is a political movement. But, I think it is very, very difficult to dislodge these groups without a negotiated solution which includes their aspirations.
“I cannot think of an example offhand of a place where a victory through warfare has succeeded against a well-entrenched group, terrorist or otherwise.”
Speaking of Hamas’s October 7 attack, Griffiths said he had “total understanding” of the “trauma” it had caused Israel but that Israel would need to build a relationship with its neighbors regardless.