UN Security Council Approves International Force for Gaza Peace

The UN Security Council voted on November 17, 2023, to support a resolution that endorses a peace plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump. The resolution, which received 13 votes in favor, includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to help restore order in the war-torn Gaza Strip. Only Russia and China abstained from the vote, which the US hailed as “historic and constructive.”

Following the vote, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated that the resolution marks a significant step toward establishing conditions that would allow Gaza to thrive, and provide security for Israel. This plan comes in the wake of ongoing violence initiated by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which has resulted in extensive devastation across Gaza over the past two years.

The approved resolution outlines the creation of the ISF, which is tasked with collaborating with both Israel and Egypt, as well as newly trained Palestinian police forces. Their primary objective is to secure border areas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. Specifically, the ISF is mandated to work on the “permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups,” ensuring the protection of civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid.

Pathway to Palestinian Statehood

In addition to the ISF, the resolution proposes the establishment of a “Board of Peace,” a transitional governing body for Gaza, which would be chaired by Trump, with a duration extending until the end of 2027. The resolution hints at a potential future for a Palestinian state, contingent upon the Palestinian Authority (PA) implementing necessary reforms and beginning the reconstruction of Gaza. The draft suggests that once these conditions are met, it may lead to a credible pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood, although this notion has been firmly dismissed by Israel.

Russia’s competing draft resolution, which did not advance, criticized the US text for lacking sufficient support for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Moscow’s proposal sought to reaffirm the commitment to a two-state solution but did not authorize an international force or the Board of Peace. Instead, it called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide options for addressing these issues. Waltz emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “delaying will cost lives.”

The US garnered support from several Arab and Muslim-majority countries, including Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey. These nations issued a joint statement backing the resolution, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on the implications of the Security Council’s decision and the potential for a lasting peace in the region. The deployment of the ISF and the proposed governance structure signify a concerted effort to stabilize Gaza and pave the way for future negotiations.