The United States is rallying support at the United Nations as the Security Council prepares to vote on a resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. With calls for swift action, the potential consequences of inaction in the region could be severe.
Fragile Ceasefire at Stake
US officials have emphasised the need for the Security Council to unite and support its draft resolution, highlighting that the ceasefire established between Israel and Hamas is fragile. According to a spokesperson for the US mission to the UN, any attempts to disrupt this negotiation could lead to “grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza.”
Details of the Proposed Resolution
- The draft of the resolution includes the establishment of a “Board of Peace,” a transitional governing body for Gaza that Trump would chair, set to operate until the end of 2027.
- It calls for the creation of a “temporary International Stabilization Force” (ISF) to assist Israel and Egypt and newly trained Palestinian police in securing border areas and demilitarising the Gaza Strip.
- Crucially, the latest draft mentions a potential for a future Palestinian state, contingent on the Palestinian Authority executing necessary reforms.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the resolution’s adoption, stating progress has been made in the negotiations.
International Support and Competing Proposals
A coalition of nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, have voiced their backing for the US resolution. They emphasised the need for swift adoption to ensure stability in the region.
However, the proposal faces competition from Russia, which has circulated an alternative draft that omits key elements such as the Board of Peace and immediate deployment of an international force. Instead, it focuses on a “two-State solution” for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Concerns Over the Resolution
Despite general support for the principles of peace, diplomats have raised concerns about the current US draft, particularly regarding the lack of a monitoring mechanism by the Security Council and the ambiguous role of the Palestinian Authority.
In an op-ed, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz warned that failing to adopt the resolution equates to supporting a return to war, which could perpetuate conflict in the region. As the vote date approaches, tensions mount and all eyes are on how the situation will unfold.