In a bold move, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has pleaded to the UN Security Council to avert a looming humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip. This is Guterres' first utilize of Article 99 of the UN Charter since his 2017 appointment, a provision seldom invoked that empowers the secretary-general to notify the Security Council about matters threatening international peace and security.
Guterres penned a letter to the Council, expressing concern over the impending disaster and reiterating his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The letter, obtained by German Press Agency, reads: "I implore the members of the Security Council to step in and prevent the impending humanitarian crisis."
The swelling use of Article 99 by Guterres underscores the gravity of the situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing international concern over the relentless conflict. The UN Security Council, renowned for its divergent perspectives on global issues, is expected to convene this week to discuss the issue, with Guterres' presence assured. The council members will likely be contacted by Guterres through telephone and in-person meetings in the near future.
Invoking Article 99 carries no direct penalties but leaves the Security Council with no choice but to tackle the issue in question. The uncommon move by the UN chief intends to convey the urgency of the crisis, hoping to sway the Security Council and the international community to take decisive action.
The armed conflict in Gaza was triggered by a massacre perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist groups, near the Israel-Gaza Strip border, resulting in over 1200 casualties. Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health reports over 16,200 fatalities in Gaza since the Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. While these figures remain unverified, the UN and onlookers acknowledge the Ministry of Health's historical reliability.
Further Insights:
- Urgent Humanitarian Needs: According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over half a million people in Gaza are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The economic and healthcare systems are on the brink of collapse, and basic supplies like food, water, and shelter are scarce[2].
- Impact on Civilians: Gaza's humanitarian infrastructure has been severely damaged, leading to the displacement of 80,000 people, who are now living in makeshift shelters and tents[1]. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned of increasing food shortages, with over 113,000 people at a high risk of food insecurity[1].
- Healthcare Crisis: The healthcare system in Gaza remains critically insufficient, chiefly due to the destruction of Hospitals and Medical Centers during Israeli airstrikes. Over 53 medical facilities have been either damaged or destroyed, impacting thousands of patients seeking treatment[1].
- Political Reform and Support: Guterres has called for stronger international support to reinforce the Palestinian Authority’s institutions and prepare it to reclaim governance in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of political, institutional, and economic reforms, ensuring that they can be accomplished and financially secured[1].
By invoking Article 99, Guterres aims to rally international action to address the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza and prevent further escalation of the conflict. The focus is on protecting civilians, providing necessary aid, and supporting political reforms, in the hopes of bringing an end to the ongoing suffering in the region.
Sources: [1] UN News: "Guterres calls for urgent action to prevent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza[https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/05/1105342] [2] United Nations - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: "OCHA Update on Gaza Crisis[https://ochaopt.unmissions.org/ocha-update-gaza-crisis] [3] Middle East Eye - "Gaza Crisis: Facts, figures and analysis[https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/gaza-crisis-facts-figures-analysis]
