UN chief uses rare power to warn Security Council of impending ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza

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In an uncommon move, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres alerted the Security Council to an imminent “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, advocating for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. In a communication to the council’s 15 members, Guterres highlighted the dire state of Gaza’s humanitarian infrastructure, severely strained by two months of conflict, resulting in significant human distress, widespread destruction, and profound collective trauma. He emphasized the need to protect civilians from further suffering.

Using Article 99 of the U.N. Charter, Guterres informed the council about issues he deems a threat to global peace and security, underscoring the international community’s duty to leverage its influence to avert further escalation and resolve the crisis.

The United Arab Emirates, representing the Arab states on the council, proposed a draft resolution late Wednesday in response to Guterres’ letter, seeking an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” and noting deep concern about the grave situation in Gaza and the plight of its Palestinian civilian population. This move came after strong support for a cease-fire from the 22-nation Arab Group at the U.N.

The Palestinian U.N. Ambassador, Riyad Mansour, stressed the necessity for the U.N.’s most influential body to call for a conflict cessation. However, the U.S., a close ally of Israel and possessing veto power in the Security Council, has not endorsed a cease-fire. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood expressed on Tuesday that the Security Council’s role should not interfere with ongoing ground-level diplomacy, despite its limited success.

A delegation of ministers from Arab nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is scheduled to meet U.S. officials in Washington on Thursday to advocate for an immediate cease-fire.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan criticized Guterres’ invocation of Article 99 as a pressure tactic on Israel, accusing him of bias and moral degradation. Erdan contended that the call for a cease-fire essentially supports Hamas’ continued control in Gaza.

In his letter, Guterres condemned the horrific acts of terrorism and brutal killings of over 1,200 Israelis by Hamas militants on October 7, demanding the immediate release of over 130 hostages. While acknowledging the deteriorating situation in Gaza under Israel’s military actions aimed at eliminating Hamas, Guterres warned of the potential complete breakdown of public order due to dire living conditions.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric described invoking Article 99 as a significant constitutional action, last referenced in 1971 by Secretary-General U Thant concerning East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Dujarric emphasized the gravity of the current situation, necessitating such a decisive measure by the secretary-general.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

More about Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

• United Nations Official Website
• Article 99 of the U.N. Charter
• U.N. Security Council
• Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
• Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Updates
• U.S. Diplomacy and International Relations
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation
• History of U.N. Involvement in Peacekeeping