UN Chief incites anger in Israel. Heated words exchanged
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has invoked a demand for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip under Article 99, which references a "threat to international peace". His declaration was countered by stern reactions from the Israeli authorities.
4:57 AM EST, December 8, 2023
Guterres called a meeting of the UN Security Council, urging its members to exert their influence on the hostile parties. He requested enforcement of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. It's worth noting that this is the first time Article 99 has been invoked by the UN since 1989.
This article grants the UN the authority to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any problem that could pose a threat to international peace".
In a letter, the Secretary-General advised Council members to "use all their influences" to avert a looming humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip. He brought to light that the region has already witnessed at least 15,000 casualties.
Conflict with Hamas: Israel responds sternly to ceasefire call
The "Jerusalem Post" has reported negative reactions from Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Eli Cohen and UN Ambassador Gilado Erdan. They rebuked the Secretary-General for his intervention.
- "Guterres's tenure is a threat to global peace" - remarked Cohen.
- "The UN requires a Secretary-General who supports combating terrorism, not one who acts following the Hamas agenda". His appeal for a ceasefire is perceived as a move to preserve Hamas's reign of terror in Gaza – argued Erdan. He labeled Guterres's proposal as being "morally reprehensible".
