UN Security Council to Vote on Resolution for Gaza Stabilization and Governance
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution proposing a peace plan for Gaza, initially backed by the Trump administration. The resolution includes provisions for an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the establishment of transitional governance in the region.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Resolution
The draft resolution outlines several measures intended to manage the post-conflict situation in Gaza:
- International Stabilization Force (ISF): Mandates the deployment of an ISF, which would collaborate with Israel and Egypt, Gaza's southern neighbor. The United States has stated that multiple unnamed countries have offered contributions to this force.
- Disarmament and Security: A core role for the ISF would be the "permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups," specifically including Hamas. This is intended to fulfill a requirement of the Trump peace plan for Hamas to relinquish its weapons. The ISF would also be responsible for protecting civilians and ensuring the safety of humanitarian aid routes.
- Palestinian Police Force: Calls for the establishment of a newly trained Palestinian police force in Gaza, which would operate independently of the current Hamas authority.
- Transitional Governance: Endorses the formation of a Board of Peace, anticipated to be chaired by President Trump. This board would oversee a body of Palestinian technocrats tasked with the temporary administration and redevelopment of Gaza.
- Palestinian Statehood: Following negotiations and pressure from key Arab states, the latest text includes a reference to a possible future Palestinian state, though it does not explicitly designate its establishment as a direct goal of the resolution.
Reactions and Stances
The proposed resolution has elicited strong reactions from involved parties:
- Hamas's Rejection: In a statement, Hamas described the draft resolution as "dangerous" and an "attempt to subject the Gaza Strip to international authority." The group rejected any clauses related to the disarmament of Gaza or perceived infringements on "the Palestinian people's right to resistance." Hamas also explicitly opposed any foreign military presence in the Gaza Strip, deeming it a violation of Palestinian sovereignty.
- Israel's Opposition: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's consistent opposition to a Palestinian state "in any territory west of the Jordan [River]." This statement came after criticism from allies within his governing coalition, who reportedly threatened to withdraw support if he did not challenge the draft.
Background and Context
The proposed peace plan aimed to suspend ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The conflict escalated following Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the capture of 251 hostages.
Since that date, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that over 69,483 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military actions.
Intense negotiations have preceded the Security Council vote. Washington has cautioned that a rejection of the resolution could potentially lead to a resumption of conflict with Israel.