UN Secretary-General Calls for Ceasefire Amid Gaza Crisis
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has activated Article 99 of the UN Charter to address the escalating situation in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing military attacks. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Guterres urged for a humanitarian ceasefire, citing the severe risk of a collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza. The invocation of Article 99 allows the Secretary-General to bring matters threatening international peace and security to the attention of the Security Council.
Understanding Article 99 of the UN Charter
Article 99 of the UN Charter empowers the Secretary-General to alert the Security Council to any matter that, in their opinion, may pose a threat to international peace and security. It is a discretionary power that emphasizes the Secretary-General’s role in addressing issues of global concern. In practice, the President of the Security Council is obligated to convene a meeting if the Secretary-General invokes Article 99.
Rare Use of Article 99
Article 99 has been seldom invoked in the past. Instances include the upheaval in the Republic of the Congo in 1960 and a complaint by Tunisia in 1961 against France’s military actions. Guterres’ move is considered a significant and dramatic constitutional step, reflecting the gravity of the situation in Gaza.
Guterres’ Plea for Ceasefire
In his letter to the UNSC President, Guterres highlighted the humanitarian crisis, condemning the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli military operation. He emphasized the devastating impact on the civilian population, with over 15,000 casualties and the collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza. Guterres urgently appealed for a humanitarian ceasefire to avert further harm and allow the delivery of aid safely.
Potential Impact on the Conflict
The invocation of Article 99 led to the submission of a draft resolution by the United Arab Emirates, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The resolution is expected to be voted on, but unanimous support from the Security Council’s permanent members is unlikely. The US and Britain have expressed support for Israel’s military actions, setting the stage for diplomatic complexities.
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