UN Security Council Deliberates on Gaza Ceasefire
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently utilized a rarely exercised power, Article 99, amid escalating violence in Gaza.
This provision, part of the UN Charter, empowers the Secretary-General to alert the Security Council of situations threatening international peace and security. The last invocation of Article 99 occurred over 50 years ago, during the events leading to Bangladesh’s independence.” according to Al-Sharq Alawsat Newspaper”
Situation in Gaza
Guterres’s call for action comes in response to an intensifying Israeli offensive and rising civilian casualties in Gaza. He emphasized the potential collapse of Gaza’s humanitarian system and civil order, describing the situation as a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
Role of United States
Despite Guterres’s appeal, the United States, a close ally of Israel and a Security Council member with veto power, has not supported a ceasefire. The U.S. Deputy Ambassador suggested that a Security Council resolution at this time would not be productive, hinting at a possible veto.
Global Reaction, Next Steps
Following Guterres’s move, the United Arab Emirates, representing Arab nations on the Council, proposed a resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The situation remains tense as the Security Council prepares to vote, with the international community’s eyes on the outcome.
Impact on Civilians, Health Services
The crisis in Gaza has led to widespread human suffering and infrastructure damage. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a total communication and electrical blackout in the region, severely impacting civilians and health services.
Amidst ongoing hostilities, the need for humanitarian aid and medical supplies in Gaza has skyrocketed.
Response from Other Nations
Different member states of the UN Security Council have expressed varied positions on the crisis. Initially, Russia criticized the lack of a collective response to deescalate the situation.
Conversely, the United States emphasized efforts towards delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Furthermore, the Chinese Ambassador used their veto against the US resolution, reflecting the complexity and geopolitical sensitivities of the issue.
Moreover, the UN Secretary-General’s unprecedented move to invoke Article 99 highlights the severity of the Gaza crisis. Consequently, as the international community awaits the Security Council’s decision, the fate of Gaza’s civilian population hangs in the balance, with urgent calls for humanitarian assistance and a ceasefire.
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