UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the UN Security Council about the global threat posed by the Gaza war. This warning coincides with efforts by Arab countries to push the Council to call for an immediate ceasefire. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) submitted a concise draft resolution to the Council, acting on Guterres’ letter, demanding an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, Hamas. The resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent members of the Council to be adopted.
The United States, represented by Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood, expressed opposition to any further action by the Security Council at this time, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure more hostage releases, increase aid to Gaza, and improve civilian protection. The US and Israel, its ally, oppose a ceasefire, arguing it would benefit Hamas. Instead, Washington supports temporary pauses for civilian protection and the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
The UAE’s draft resolution has garnered support from the Arab group and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), emphasizing the moral and humanitarian necessity of supporting the Secretary-General’s call. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour mentioned that Arab ministers would discuss this draft resolution with US officials in Washington.
Guterres, in his letter to the Council, highlighted the potential for the war to exacerbate existing threats to international peace and security. He invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, a power not used for decades, to bring attention to matters he believes may threaten international peace and security. The situation in Gaza, as described by Guterres, poses a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system, with irreversible implications for Palestinians and regional security.
