It's called “Article 99.” With an intensifying Israeli offensive and escalating civilian casualties, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked a rarely exercised power this week to warn the Security Council of an impending “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. Guterres invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter — last used over half a century ago — which says the secretary-general may inform the council of matters he believes threaten international peace and security.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter to distribute a letter demanding the Security Council move aggressively toward a cease-fire in Gaza.
China has assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for November. The situation in Gaza is at the top of the Council's agenda this month. The Security Council will also consider a number of regional hotspots, including Syria, Yemen, Central Africa and Somalia. China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. The Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. China will push the Security Council to take action, strengthen solidarity and cooperation.