UN Chief Urges UN Security Council Action to Avert Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza, Invoking Article 99

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has officially brought the situation in Gaza to the attention of the UN Security Council, urging its members to prevent a humanitarian disaster in the besieged region.

Guterres utilized Article 99 of the UN Charter, delivering a letter to Security Council President José De La Gasca on Wednesday, marking the first instance of him doing so since assuming the role of Secretary-General in 2017, as stated by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Article 99

Article 99 grants the secretary-general the authority to notify the Security Council of any matter that, in his judgment, could jeopardize international peace and security.

In his letter, Guterres emphasized the dire consequences of the conflict, including extensive human suffering, physical devastation, and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Also Read: Israel Refuses Visa To UN Official Amid Renewed Gaza Violence

Guterres specifically underscored the precarious situation faced by civilians in Gaza, expressing concern about their daily exposure to significant danger.

He lamented the lack of effective civilian protection, highlighting the absence of safe havens in Gaza. Guterres pointed out the imminent breakdown of public order due to the desperate circumstances, exacerbated by constant bombardment from the Israel Defence Forces.

He warned that without shelter or essential resources, providing even limited humanitarian aid would become impossible.

The Secretary-General cautioned that the situation could further deteriorate if the spread of disease reaches epidemic levels and mass displacement exerts pressure on neighboring countries.

In the concluding remarks of his letter, Guterres urgently called on Security Council members to act swiftly to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, endorsing his plea for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.