United States: The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, has urged the UN Security Council to take action regarding the conflict in Gaza, invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter.
As per the statement, the UN chief has the authority to draw the attention of the Security Council to any issue that he deems potentially dangerous for the preservation of global peace and security.
The overall effects of the more than eight weeks of fighting had “appalling human suffering, physical destruction, and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” Mr. Guterres wrote in a letter to the president of the Council.
The Secretary-General emphasised the 130 persons who are still in captivity as well as the more than 1,200 people who were “brutally killed” by militants on October 7, including 33 children.
“They must be immediately and unconditionally released. Accounts of sexual violence during these attacks are appalling,” the UN chief added.
Mr. Guterres stated that civilians in the Gaza Strip are in grave danger as Israel persists in targeting Hamas fighters; over 15,000 people have reportedly been killed, with over 40 percent of them being children.
Approximately 80 percent of Gazans are internally displaced, with more than 1.1 million of them taking up residence in UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) shelters.
The UN secretary-general, who is chosen by member states to act as the organization’s chief administrative officer, is only granted a limited number of powers under the UN Charter.
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,” as per UN Charter Article 99.
A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas was in place in the Gaza Strip from November 24 to November 30, 2023.
“I reiterate my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. This is urgent. The civilian population must be spared from greater harm,” Mr. Guterres cited.
The council does have additional authority to guarantee the implementation of a ceasefire resolution, should it decide to follow Guterres’ advice and adopt one. This authority includes the ability to impose sanctions or approve the deployment of an international force. However, veto power is held by the council’s five permanent members, which are China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France.
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