UN Chief Antonio Guterres Raises Tensions: Invokes Article 99 for Gaza, Drawing Ire from Israel
UN Chief Antonio Guterres triggers Article 99, urging UNSC action on Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Israel criticizes, vows to persist in Gaza offensive. Guterres accused of endangering world peace
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, marking a rare move to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Guterres appeals to the UN Security Council for urgent intervention, requesting a humanitarian ceasefire to prevent a catastrophic collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza.
This action, the first use of Article 99 in Guterres' six-year tenure, draws parallels to the last instance in 1989, when it was utilized to highlight military escalation around Beirut, Lebanon.
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However, Israel vehemently opposes Guterres' decision, declaring a commitment to a full-force offensive in Gaza until the elimination of Hamas. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen expresses anger, labelling Guterres' tenure a "danger to world peace" and accusing him of supporting Hamas.
Throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict, Guterres has condemned violent attacks on Israel while also criticizing Israel for what he deems "collective punishment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza." Despite his calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and aid access to Gaza, Israel consistently rebukes Guterres, alleging support for terrorism. The situation underscores the complex dynamics and challenges faced by the UN Chief in navigating the contentious Israel-Palestine conflict.