UN Secretary-General Invokes Article 99, Urges Security Council Action as Gaza Crisis Worsens
In a historic move, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, alerting the Security Council to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza. Guterres sent a letter to Security Council President Jose Javier de la Gasca Lopez Domínguez, outlining the dire conditions faced by the civilian population.
Guterres expressed deep concern over the lack of protection for civilians from airstrikes, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in UNRWA facilities, and the collapsing healthcare system in Gaza due to Israeli attacks and shortages. He highlighted the unprecedented toll on UNRWA workers, with 130 killed in the past two months.
Warning of an impending breakdown in public order, Guterres urged the international community to intervene and prevent further escalation. He pleaded with the Security Council to press for a humanitarian ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency of sparing the civilian population from greater harm.
Israeli Assault on Gaza Continues, Death Toll Surpasses 16,000
As the Israeli assault on Gaza enters its 61st consecutive day, the death toll has surged past 16,000, including 7,112 children and 4,885 women, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The number of injured has reached close to 44,000, with at least 7,600 reported missing and feared trapped under rubble.
Ongoing Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling have severely restricted rescue efforts, hampering the search for those trapped. Recent attacks targeted various areas, including Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, the Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, and the Jabalia refugee camp.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, bringing the total number of internally displaced civilians to 1.9 million, according to the United Nations.
International Outcry Over Humanitarian Crisis
Amid the escalating crisis, international aid agencies and medical charities have raised alarms. Doctors Without Borders reported that their supported hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients due to constant bombing and movement restrictions imposed by Israeli forces.
Chris Hook, MSF medical coordinator in Khan Younis, called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for unrestricted aid supply to the entire Gaza Strip.
Israeli Occupation Forces Extend Night Raids in West Bank
In addition to the Gaza crisis, Israeli Occupation Forces continued their killing spree in the occupied West Bank. Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nablus were under Israeli siege, resulting in at least 50 Palestinians being arrested during nighttime raids.
The total toll in the occupied West Bank since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza on October 7 has risen to 265 Palestinians killed, with more than 3,600 injured and over 3,500 arrested. The international community is closely watching the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, with urgent calls for immediate intervention to end the violence and address the escalating crisis in the region.