US Proposes Gaza Stabilization Force at UN; Faces Pushback from Russia, China, and Arabs
The United States' proposal for a Gaza stabilization force at the United Nations is facing opposition from Russia, China, and Arab countries. The US mission to the UN has issued a stark warning that Palestinians could face grave consequences
if the body does not soon back its plan, according to Al Jazeera English. However, Russia has countered the US proposal with its own draft, which omits the mention of the 'Board of Peace' under President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan, as reported by ANSA and Middle East Eye.
The US Proposal
The US circulated its resolution to all 15 council members last week, claiming regional support for a plan that would authorize a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body and an international stabilization force. The plan, known as the 'Board of Peace,' sets parameters for Gaza’s transitional governance and launches the International Stabilization Force. It was outlined in President Trump’s twenty-point Gaza peace plan, according to Fox News.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, in an exclusive interview with Fox News, stated that President Trump’s historic Middle East peace plan is the only way forward
and the only person who can truly bridge the divides between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Russia's Counterproposal
In contrast to the US proposal, Russia’s draft resolution calls on the UN Secretary-General to explore options for an international stabilization force in Gaza but makes no mention of the Board of Peace. The draft is seen as a direct challenge to the US effort to push through the text endorsing President Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
Implications and Reactions
The US proposal's reception has not been universally positive, with both Russia and China — two veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council — calling for the Board of Peace to be removed from the resolution entirely, The Hindu reports.
The Middle East Eye also shed light on the plight of Palestinian families, stating that, Without true accountability, there can be no healing.
It suggested that a ceasefire without justice or Palestinians at the table would be a betrayal.
Current Status
Despite the pushback, the US continues to advocate for its plan. The US mission to the UN has warned of grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences for Palestinians
if the body does not back its plan soon. Meanwhile, Russia's counterproposal underscores the complex political dynamics surrounding the Gaza issue and the challenge of finding a solution that satisfies all stakeholders. As the UN Security Council deliberates on these proposals, the future of Gaza and its people hangs in the balance.