Humanitarian conditions during the war between Israel and Hamas “are rapidly deteriorating and turning into a catastrophe that could have irreversible consequences for all Palestinians,” A. Guterres wrote in a letter to the President of the Security Council.
“Such an outcome must be avoided at all costs,” the letter said.
Guterres wrote the letter in reference to Article 99 of the UN Charter, 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.”
It is the first time a UN chief has invoked the article since taking office in 2017. Ecuador currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council.
Urging Security Council members to work to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, A. Guterres reiterated his call for a humanitarian ceasefire.
“The health care system in the Gaza Strip is failing,” he said, adding that there is no effective protection of civilians.
“Current conditions prevent meaningful humanitarian operations,” the letter said, adding that nowhere in the Gaza Strip is safe.
On October 7, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel. According to Jewish officials, about 1.2 thousand were killed in the attacks. people, mostly civilians, and about 240 people were taken hostage.
On Wednesday, Guterres condemned the attack as a “heinous act of terrorism”.
The Ministry of Health of the Gaza Strip claims that 16,200 people have already died during the Israeli operation in the territory. people, mostly civilians.
This situation threatens peace and security in the region, Guterres said.
“A humanitarian cease-fire will allow life-sustaining measures to be resumed and humanitarian aid to be delivered across the Gaza Strip in a safe and timely manner,” he added.
In mid-November, the Security Council broke its silence on the bloody conflict for the first time and called for a longer humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip.
According to diplomatic sources, members of the Security Council are preparing a new draft resolution, which will focus mainly on humanitarian aid.
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2024-08-19 03:00:52
