In a letter to UNSC, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres invoked article 99 of UNSC. Antonio Guterres believes that public order is going to break down in Gaza. The main reason to which is the collapse of humanitarian system.
Guterres wrote,
“The situation is fast deteriorating into a catastrophe with irreversible implications for both the Palestinians as well as for security and peace in the region.”
Guterres added, “Such an outcome must be avoided.”
In his letter he invoked the article 99 which states that,
“The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.”
This article is considered to be the most important diplomatic power of UN Secretary General. Guterres has invoked article 99 for the first time since he took the charge as UN Secretary General.
UN Secretary General pointed towards the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Around 7,000 children have been reported martyred since October 7th. More than 17,000 Palestinians were reported to be martyred. Multiple hospitals were also targeted during the ongoing conflict.