According to the report, Guterres delivered a letter to the Security Council President, Jose De La Gasca

In his letter, Guterres said the conflict has created "appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory"

The UN chief highlighted the plight of Gazan civilians, who he said are facing "grave danger" on a daily basis, CNN reported

"There is no effective protection of civilians. ... Nowhere is safe in Gaza," Guterres alleged

"Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defence Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to break down soon due to the desperate situation, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible," he said, warning that the situation could worsen if the spread of disease reaches epidemic proportions and mass displacement creates "pressure" on neighbouring countries

According to CNN, in the closing paragraph of his letter, Guterres urged Security Council members to "press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe" and support his call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

Article 99 gives the secretary general the remit to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security"

Taking to X, Guterres posted, "I've just invoked Art.99 of the UN Charter - for the 1st time in my tenure as Secretary-General. Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared"

"More than eight weeks of hostilities in Gaza and Israel have created appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory," he stated in the letter