UN Security Council to Vote on US-Backed Plan for International Gaza Stabilization Force

The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote Monday on a US-drafted resolution aimed at strengthening Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, with a key focus on deploying an International Stabilization Force (ISF). Washington has cautioned that failure to adopt the proposal could trigger renewed conflict between Israel and Hamas

The resolution revised several times during intense negotiations formally endorses the peace plan that established a fragile ceasefire on October 10 after two years of devastating conflict following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel

The Gaza Strip, now largely in ruins, would see the introduction of the ISF, working alongside Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police. Their role would include securing borders, demilitarizing the territory, protecting civilians, and ensuring safe humanitarian corridors

The draft also proposes the creation of a transitional governing body known as the Board of Peace, to be chaired theoretically by Trump, with a mandate running until the end of 2027

In a notable shift from earlier versions, the latest draft acknowledges the possibility of a future Palestinian state. It states that once the Palestinian Authority implements required reforms and reconstruction is underway, conditions “may finally be in place for acredible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” a prospect strongly rejected by Israel

The vote is scheduled for 5:00 pm (2200 GMT) Monday

Russian Pushback

Russia, a veto-wielding Security Council member, has circulated its own alternative draft, arguing that the US version does not sufficiently support the creation of a Palestinian state

Moscow’s proposal emphasizes an unwavering commitment to a two-state solution but does not authorize an international force or the Board of Peace, instead asking the UN Secretary-General to present options on those matters

Meanwhile, the United States continues lobbying for support, criticizing efforts that it says aim to divide the Council. The US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, argued that opposing the resolution equates to supporting either Hamas or a return to war

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Washington has also showcased support from several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia

Despite Russian objections, diplomats told AFP the US draft is likely to pass. Analysts predict Russia and China may abstain rather than veto a resolution with strong regional backing

If adopted, the resolution would set the stage for one of the most significant international interventions in Gaza in years, placing the implementation burden squarely on Washington

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Writer : Mweru Mbugua