The United Nations Security Council has voted to adopt a US-drafted resolution endorsing a 20-point peace plan for Gaza proposed by Donald Trump. The resolution received support from 13 countries, including the UK, France, and Somalia, with no votes against. Russia and China abstained from the vote.
Hamas Rejection
Hamas, which governs Gaza, has rejected the resolution. The group stated via Telegram that the plan "imposes an international guardianship mechanism on the Gaza Strip," which it opposes. Hamas further argued that assigning an international force with roles, including disarming "resistance" groups, compromises its neutrality and positions it in favor of the "occupation."
International Stabilisation Force (ISF)
A central component of the plan is the establishment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF). The US has indicated that multiple unnamed countries have offered to contribute to this force.
According to reports on the latest draft, the ISF's mandate includes:
- Working towards the permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups, including Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the UK.
- Protecting civilians.
- Securing humanitarian aid routes.
Mike Waltz, the US Ambassador to the UN, informed the Council that the ISF would be "tasked with securing the area, supporting the demilitarization of Gaza, dismantling the terrorist infrastructure, removing weapons, and ensuring the safety of Palestinian civilians." The ISF is expected to collaborate with Israel and Egypt, Gaza's southern neighbor.
Palestinian Police and Governance
The draft resolution also advocates for the creation of a newly trained Palestinian police force in Gaza. This proposed force would operate independently of Hamas, which has historically controlled policing in the territory.
Key Elements of the Peace Plan
The peace plan includes several significant provisions:
- Initial Phase: A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, coupled with the exchange of hostages and detainees, which became effective on October 10.
- Board of Peace: Establishment of a "Board of Peace," which the US President is anticipated to chair.
- Reconstruction Funding: Financing for Gaza's reconstruction, following two years of conflict, would be provided through a trust fund supported by the World Bank.
- Path to Statehood: The draft raises the possibility of a Palestinian state, a provision included following pressure from key Arab states, despite Israel's stated opposition to such a development.
Background to the Conflict
The peace plan effectively paused hostilities between Israel and Hamas, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals being taken hostage. Since then, over 69,483 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.