The UN Security Council is set to vote Monday on a US-drafted resolution that endorses President Donald Trump’s ambitious but vague peace plan for Gaza, which includes establishing an international force and a transitional governing board to oversee demilitarization and reconstruction.
The vote, scheduled for later today, comes after weeks of intense negotiations and aims to build on the fragile ceasefire that took effect last month. The resolution seeks to transition Gaza from conflict to a more sustainable peace, but faces significant hurdles due to its lack of detail and opposition from key players.
The core of the US plan involves the creation of a Board of Peace, which would serve as a transitional administration for Gaza for up to two years, overseeing reconstruction and the disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups. This board, potentially chaired by Trump, would work in coordination with an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and Palestinian police trained by Egypt to secure border areas and ensure the decommissioning of weapons.
However, the resolution is notably vague on critical details, such as the composition of the Board of Peace and the specific sequencing of demilitarization and Israeli withdrawal. Western diplomats have expressed pessimism about its implementation, citing the complexity of disarming Hamas fighters who may resist giving up their weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that disarmament must occur, stating that Gaza will be demilitarized “either the easy way or the hard way.”
The plan has drawn sharp criticism from Russia, which has circulated a competing draft resolution that emphasizes a two-state solution without authorizing an international force or board. Russia and China, both permanent members with veto power, may abstain or veto the US proposal, though analysts suggest they might allow it to pass to see the US struggle with its execution.
On the other hand, the US has secured support from several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, who signed a joint statement backing the resolution. However, Israel is likely to reject a Turkish role in the ISF, and no countries have yet committed troops, making the force’s composition uncertain.
A major point of contention is the mention of a possible pathway to Palestinian statehood in the draft, which Israel firmly rejects. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that “our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory west of the Jordan River exists, remains in force, and has not changed in the slightest.” In contrast, Saudi Arabia and other supporters argue that a Palestinian state is essential for regional integration and stability.
If the resolution passes, the next steps involve assembling the ISF and Board of Peace, which will require delicate diplomacy and coordination. Failure could risk a return to violence, as the US has warned that not backing the plan is a vote for continued conflict. The outcome of today’s vote will set the stage for the next phase in the Gaza conflict.
