In a historic move, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the U.N. charter for the first time, citing a severe risk of the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza. Guterres expressed his concerns about the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas, which has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis in the region.

In a letter to José Javier De la Gasca Lopez Domínguez, the current U.N. Security Council president, Guterres highlighted the desperate conditions in Gaza, predicting that public order would completely break down, making even limited humanitarian assistance impossible. The Secretary-General warned of dire consequences, including epidemic diseases and the pressure to relocate displaced civilians to surrounding countries.

Article 99 permits the U.N. secretary-general to bring attention to any matter that may threaten international peace and security, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Guterres' letter emphasizes the urgent need for action to prevent an even worse scenario from unfolding in the besieged territory.

The war has been ongoing for nearly two months, with a weeklong pause. The conflict escalated when Hamas initiated a surprise assault into southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, including hundreds of civilians. In response, Israel has carried out relentless airstrikes, pledging to dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, the death toll has now surpassed 16,000 people.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been further exacerbated by Israel's siege on basic necessities such as food, water, and fuel. Although a weeklong truce allowed some aid to enter the territory last month, the fighting resumed, rendering it impossible for humanitarian operations to be effectively conducted.

Guterres expressed his concern about the insufficient quantities of supplies reaching Gaza, stating that humanitarian organizations are simply unable to reach those in need. He called on the Security Council to take urgent action and avert a humanitarian catastrophe. Guterres reiterated his appeal for a humanitarian cease-fire, emphasizing the need to restore the means of survival and ensure the safe and timely delivery of aid to Gaza.

As the world watches the crisis unfold, the Secretary-General's invocation of Article 99 marks a significant step towards drawing attention to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The international community is now urged to respond swiftly and decisively to prevent further suffering and loss of life in the war-torn region.