The UN Security Council is expected to vote on Monday on a US-drafted resolution that seeks to reinforce former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, particularly the deployment of an international stabilization force. Washington has cautioned that failure to support the initiative could ignite renewed conflict in the region.
The draft resolution, revised multiple times following intense negotiations, “endorses” the plan, which enabled a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas beginning October 10 in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
A Gaza Shattered by Two Years of War
The Gaza Strip, devastated after two years of fighting triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, remains largely in ruins. The latest draft of the text authorizes the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), tasked with working alongside Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police to secure border zones and demilitarize Gaza. The ISF would be responsible for:
- The permanent decommissioning of weapons held by non-state armed groups
- Civilian protection and support for humanitarian relief corridors
- Stabilizing border areas and preventing further escalation
The plan also allows for the creation of a “Board of Peace,” a temporary governing entity for Gaza, which Trump would theoretically chair, with its mandate expected to run through the end of 2027. For the first time, the draft references the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
According to the text, once the Palestinian Authority implements reforms and Gaza reconstruction is underway, the region may have a credible pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood—though this remains firmly opposed by Israel.
Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuThe vote is scheduled for 5:00 pm (2200 GMT) on Monday.
Russia Pushes a Competing Draft
Council member Russia has circulated its own alternative text, arguing that the US proposal falls short of supporting a two-state solution. Moscow’s version asks the Council to reaffirm “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution.”
The Russian draft does not authorize the deployment of an international force or the formation of a Board of Peace. Instead, it calls upon UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide options regarding those mechanisms at a later stage.
Meanwhile, the United States has defended its resolution while dismissing what it called attempts to “sow discord” among Security Council members.
Growing International Backing
The United States released a joint statement of support signed by several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including:
- Qatar
- Egypt
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Indonesia
- Pakistan
- Jordan
- Turkey
Diplomats told AFP they expect the US draft to be adopted, despite Russian concerns and reservations among a few Council members.
Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group noted that while several members may align with the US, they share frustrations over the substance of the plan and Washington’s efforts to fast-track the process.
I think it is more likely that China and Russia will abstain… and then sit back and watch the US struggle to put it into action
Richard Gowan 