UN Security Council convenes emergency session to address Gaza crisis

The UN Security Council is set to convene on Friday to address the escalating crisis in Gaza, facing urgent calls from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for an immediate ceasefire after weeks of devastating conflict.

Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians in Gaza amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces.

In his unprecedented letter to the council, Guterres warned of a potential breakdown of public order in Gaza due to desperate conditions, urging a “humanitarian ceasefire” to prevent catastrophic consequences for Palestinians and the wider Middle East. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 17,000, with the majority being women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Israel, pushing for the destruction of Hamas following the October 7 attack, faces criticism for its relentless bombardment that has left much of Gaza in ruins. The UN spokesperson expressed hope that the council will respond to Guterres’ urgent appeal, while Israel’s ally, the United States, maintains its stance against a ceasefire.

Despite mounting pressure, the outcome of the Security Council session remains uncertain. The United Arab Emirates has presented a draft resolution, labeling the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. However, previous attempts to pass resolutions during the conflict were rejected.

The U.S. Deputy Ambassador, Robert Wood, reiterated the country’s position against a new resolution at this stage, emphasizing the importance of behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Amnesty International’s secretary general, Agnes Callamard, called on the Security Council to take action to prevent further civilian bloodshed and a collapse of the humanitarian system.

As the international community grapples with finding a resolution, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour expressed hope for the adoption of the resolution, emphasizing the Secretary-General’s principled position. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen criticized Guterres, claiming his actions posed a danger to world peace after invoking Article 99.