U.N. Approves U.S. Plan Authorizing International Stabilization Force In Gaza
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council approved a deal Monday. US plan for Gaza authorizing an international stabilization force to ensure security in the devastated region, and foresees a possible path in the future to an independent Palestinian state.
Russia, which issued a rival resolution, abstained along with China by a vote of 13-0. The United States and other countries had hoped that Moscow would not use its veto power over the United Nations’ most powerful body to block the resolution’s adoption.
Voting was the next important step fragile truce and efforts to outline Gaza’s future after two years of war War between Israel and Hamas. Expressing their interest in providing soldiers to an international force, Arab and other Muslim countries had signaled that authorization had been received from the Security Council. necessary for their participation.
US decision supports President Donald Trump’s decision 20-item ceasefire planIt calls for a yet-to-be-established Peace Board as a transitional authority, to be chaired by Trump. It also authorizes the stabilization force and gives it broad authority, including monitoring borders, ensuring security and demilitarizing the region. The Board’s powers and authority expire at the end of 2027.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz described the decision as “historic and constructive” and said that it opened a new path in the Middle East.
“Today’s decision represents an important step towards a stable Gaza that can prosper and an environment that allows Israel to live in security,” he said. He stressed that the decision was “just the beginning”.
Stronger language on Palestinian state helps US plan reach finish line
almost during two weeks of negotiations Following the US decision, Arab countries and Palestinians had pressured the US to strengthen the language on the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
However, the proposal still does not provide a timeline or guarantee for an independent state; He says this is only possible after progress in rebuilding Gaza and reforms in the Palestinian Authority, which now governs parts of the West Bank.
Following these steps, the USA revised the decision, stating that “conditions may finally exist for a reliable path towards self-determination and statehood for Palestine.”
“The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence,” the statement said.
This language angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He promised to oppose any attempt Establishing a Palestinian state. He has long claimed that establishing a Palestinian state would reward Hamas and eventually lead to a larger Hamas-run state on Israel’s borders.
Key to the adoption of the resolution was the support of Arab and Muslim nations who pressed for a ceasefire and potentially contributed to international leverage. The US mission to the United Nations issued a joint statement on Friday with Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan and Turkey calling for “expeditious acceptance” of the US proposal.
Russia revealed its own plan
The vote took place amid hopes that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza would be maintained following the war that began with a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed nearly 1,200 people. More than two years of Israeli attacks have killed more than 69,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority are women and children.
Last week, Russia suddenly publicized a rival proposal with stronger language supporting a Palestinian state alongside Israel, emphasizing that the West Bank and Gaza should be united as a state under the Palestinian Authority.
He also removed references to the interim body and asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present options for a new agreement. International force to ensure security in Gaza and called for the implementation of the ceasefire plan, emphasizing the importance of the role of the Security Council.
What else does the US offer say?
The US resolution calls for the stabilization force to ensure “the process of demilitarization of the Gaza Strip” and the “permanent decommissioning of weapons of non-state armed groups”. A big question is how to disarm Hamas. I didn’t fully accept this step..
This gives the force the authority to “take all necessary measures to carry out its mission” in accordance with international law, the UN language on the use of military force.
The decision states that the stabilization units, together with the Palestinian police force they train and supervise, will help ensure the security of the border areas and will work in coordination with other countries to ensure security. humanitarian aid flow. It is stated that the force should hold close consultations and cooperate with neighboring Egypt and Israel.
The resolution states that as international power establishes control and stabilizes, Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza “according to standards, milestones and time frames associated with demilitarization.” It is stated that an agreement should be reached on these by the stabilization force, Israeli forces, the USA and the guarantors of the ceasefire.
