UN Security Council Approves Urgent Trump-Backed Gaza Force

UPDATE: The UN Security Council has just approved a pivotal resolution to deploy a stabilisation force to Gaza, a key aspect of Donald Trump’s ambitious 20-point plan. This decision, finalized in a 13-0 vote, comes amid escalating tensions and a fragile ceasefire established on October 10.

In a significant diplomatic maneuver, Russia and China abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass without opposition. The US, alongside several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, is pushing forward with its strategy to stabilize the region while countering potential Russian vetoes.

The approved draft authorizes the creation of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF), designed to collaborate with Israel and Egypt as well as newly-trained Palestinian police units. This force aims to secure border areas, protect civilians, and oversee the demilitarization of Gaza.

The ISF will also facilitate humanitarian corridors and work towards the permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups. Central to this plan is the establishment of a “Board of Peace,” a transitional governing body for Gaza, which could potentially be chaired by Trump himself. This board is set to operate until the end of 2027 and includes experts like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

“The conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” the draft states, although this prospect has been firmly rejected by Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating his firm opposition to a Palestinian state.

Russia’s competing proposal emphasized a more robust commitment to the two-state solution, but did not advance the deployment of an international force or the Board of Peace. Russian officials have criticized the US resolution as insufficient in supporting Palestinian statehood.

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, has been vocal about the urgency of this resolution, stating, “Any refusal to back this resolution is a vote either for the continued reign of Hamas terrorists or for the return to war with Israel, condemning the region and its people to perpetual conflict.”

The US garnered support from several nations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing a coalition aimed at stabilizing Gaza. Despite Russian objections, experts predict broad backing for the US plan among Council members, highlighting a willingness to support measures that could lead to peace.

As the situation in Gaza remains highly volatile, with humanitarian needs escalating, the establishment of the ISF and the Board of Peace represent critical steps toward a potential resolution. Observers are now closely monitoring how these developments will unfold in the coming days and what impact they will have on the broader Middle Eastern landscape.

This resolution marks a pivotal moment in international diplomacy regarding Gaza, with the potential for significant changes in the region’s political dynamics. Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops.