UN Security Council Endorses US Resolution on Gaza Peace Plan

The United Nations Security Council voted on March 25, 2024, to adopt a resolution drafted by the United States that endorses President Donald Trump‘s plan for peace in Gaza. This resolution not only supports the establishment of an international stabilisation force in the region but also aims to facilitate a framework for governance in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict.

The resolution follows an agreement reached last month between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, marking the initial phase of Trump’s comprehensive 20-point plan. This phase includes a ceasefire and a hostage-release agreement, which are viewed as crucial steps toward reducing hostilities in the area. The resolution is significant for legitimising a transitional governance body, a move intended to reassure nations considering troop deployments to Gaza.

Key Aspects of the Resolution

The text of the resolution allows member states to support a Board of Peace that will oversee the reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza. It authorises an international stabilisation force tasked with demilitarising Gaza, which includes decommissioning weapons and dismantling military infrastructure. Trump’s 20-point plan is annexed to the resolution, providing a structured approach to peace.

Despite signals of potential opposition, Russia abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass. Similarly, China also chose to abstain. In contrast, Hamas has formally rejected the resolution, asserting that it undermines Palestinian rights and imposes an international trusteeship that is unacceptable to them. The group stated, “Assigning the international force with tasks and roles inside the Gaza Strip, including disarming the resistance, strips it of its neutrality, and turns it into a party to the conflict in favor of the occupation.”

Reactions from Political Leaders

The Palestinian Authority supported the US-drafted resolution, signalling a shift in their approach to international involvement. However, the resolution has stirred controversy within Israel, particularly as it references a framework for Palestinian statehood. The resolution notes that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” contingent upon reforms by the Palestinian Authority and advancements in Gaza’s redevelopment.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, facing pressure from right-wing factions within his government, reaffirmed Israel’s opposition to a Palestinian state. He stated that Gaza would be demilitarised “the easy way or the hard way,” highlighting ongoing tensions regarding disarmament. As of now, Hamas remains steadfast in its refusal to disarm, complicating the peace process.

An umbrella group representing Hamas-led Palestinian factions condemned the resolution, describing it as a dangerous step toward foreign guardianship over Gaza and emphasising that the resolution serves Israeli interests. This ongoing conflict and the international community’s involvement continue to shape the situation in Gaza, presenting complex challenges for peace and stability in the region.