UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council faces intense pressure from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as it convenes to address the situation in Gaza this Friday, with a critical vote looming on an immediate ceasefire following weeks of devastating conflict.
Despite a mounting civilian death toll and dire living conditions in the Palestinian territory due to ongoing Israeli bombardment, the outcome of the session remains uncertain.
In an unprecedented move, Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN charter in a letter to the council on Wednesday, signalling his concern that the situation could jeopardize international peace and security. This action, unseen in decades, underscores the gravity of the crisis at hand.
Guterres wrote: “Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible.”
Stephane Dujarric, the UN spokesman, urged for a “humanitarian ceasefire” to avert a crisis that could have irreversible consequences for Palestinians and the wider Middle East. He expressed optimism that the council would respond promptly to Secretary-General Guterres’ urgent plea. Dujarric noted that starting Wednesday, the UN chief has engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and counterparts from various nations.
