UN Secretary General Invokes Article-99 of UN Charter on Gaza Crisis

The Unites Nation Secretary General Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN charter for the first time, a powerful tool to address urgent threats to international peace and security, urging the UN Security Council to act on the war in Gaza.

Article 99 allows the secretary-general to “bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.

In a letter, Guterres highlights the devastating impact of Israel's military operation: "Over 15,000 reported deaths, with children constituting over 40%. Homes of more than half the population lie in ruins." Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared.

"This marks the inaugural use of Art.99 during my tenure, signifying an exceptionally urgent situation. We are on the brink of a humanitarian system collapse."

"The global community must wield its influence to de-escalate and resolve this crisis. Security Council members are urged to act promptly to avert a humanitarian catastrophe."

"I stress the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Time is of the essence."

In response to Guterres's letter, the United Arab Emirates, a member of the Security Council, announced on X that it has presented a fresh draft resolution to the council. The resolution urgently calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, emphasizing the critical and nearly irreversible state of the situation in Gaza: "We can't afford to wait."

If the council decides to heed Guterres's recommendation and adopt a ceasefire resolution, it possesses additional authorities for ensuring implementation. These include the ability to impose sanctions or authorize the deployment of an international force. However, it's crucial to note that the council's five permanent members – China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France – wield veto power. 

On October 18, the US exercised its veto against a resolution condemning Hamas's attack on Israel and advocating for a temporary halt in the conflict to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. Twelve council members voted in favor, while Russia and the UK abstained.