UN Security Council clears Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan
The UN Security Council has backed a US drafted resolution supporting a transition from Gaza's fragile truce towards lasting peace, authorising a new Board of Peace and an International Stabilization Force while raising concerns over vague timelines, implementation challenges and Hamas's rejection.
New Delhi: The UN Security Council has approved a United States-drafted resolution aimed at moving Gaza from its fragile ceasefire towards a more durable peace and a major reconstruction effort for the devastated enclave.
The resolution was adopted on Monday with 13 votes in favour and none against. Russia and China abstained, choosing not to exercise their veto power. The decision gives international legitimacy to US President Donald Trump’s 20 point plan for Gaza, which helped shape the ceasefire that took effect last month.
Trump celebrated the outcome in a social media post, writing: "Congratulations to the World on the incredible Vote of the United Nations Security Council, just moments ago, acknowledging and endorsing the BOARD OF PEACE, which will be chaired by me, and include the most powerful and respected Leaders throughout the World.”
Transitional authority and stabilisation force authorised
Key elements of the plan have been authorised, including the establishment of a transitional "Board of Peace” and the formation of a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, according to a draft seen by CNN. Diplomats say the resolution helps provide the legal basis for countries to contribute personnel to the ISF now that it carries UN backing.
Trump added that "the members of the Board, and many more exciting announcements, will be made in the coming weeks.”
Concerns over lack of detail
Despite the resolution’s passage, diplomats acknowledge that several important questions remain unanswered.
One of the most significant gaps is the absence of a timeline for the handover of authority from the Board of Peace to the Palestinian Authority. The resolution only states that this transfer will take place once the PA "has satisfactorily completed its reform program.” The Board and associated international bodies are authorised to operate until the end of 2027.
The resolution also tasks the Board with overseeing the disarmament of Hamas and other factions, a central demand of Israel, as well as leading Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
Reference to Palestinian statehood but no roadmap
The text includes a reference to future Palestinian statehood without specifying a timetable. The draft states: "After the (Palestinian Authority) reform program is faithfully carried out and Gaza redevelopment has advanced, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
It adds: "The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.”
Hamas strongly rejects peace plan
Ahead of the vote, Hamas condemned the draft as "an attempt to impose international guardianship over Gaza and promote a vision biased toward the occupation.” Following its adoption, the group said that assigning operational responsibilities to any stabilisation force inside Gaza "strips it of its neutrality and turns it into a party to the conflict.”
Some Hamas officials continue to reject the idea of disarmament, and fighters are expected to resist surrendering weapons due to concerns over reprisals from rival groups in Gaza.