Post by : Rameen Ariff

The United States is amplifying its diplomatic activities at the United Nations, urging the Security Council to rally around a new draft resolution aimed at advancing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative. This call to action comes during a pivotal moment in the region, with officials cautioning that delays or divisions within the Council could yield “serious” repercussions for Palestinians residing in Gaza.

In a recent statement, the US mission at the UN highlighted the pressing need to finalize the resolution, asserting, “Attempts to create discord now — while negotiations on this resolution are actively underway — could have dire, tangible, and completely avoidable consequences for the people of Gaza.” Officials underscored that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains delicate, emphasizing the necessity of global collaboration to secure lasting peace.

Draft Resolution Proposes a Transitional Governing Body

Last week, American diplomats initiated formal talks with Council members regarding the draft, which builds upon the recently established ceasefire in the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas. A third version of the resolution—circulated among members on Thursday—suggests the formation of a Board of Peace, a transitional authority for Gaza, which would have a mandate extending through 2027. Under this plan, Trump would hypothetically assume chairmanship of the board.

The framework also advocates for the instatement of a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) consisting of member states. This multinational contingent would collaborate with Israel, Egypt, and newly-trained Palestinian police units to secure border areas, facilitate demilitarization, and safeguard humanitarian corridors in Gaza.

Palestinian Statehood Mentioned in Draft for First Time

In a significant departure from earlier drafts, the latest version alludes to the possibility of a future Palestinian state. The document stipulates that, as the Palestinian Authority implements certain reforms and reconstruction in Gaza progresses, “the conditions may finally allow for a viable pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

The draft also outlines plans for the United States to instigate dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian leaders to establish what it describes as a “political horizon” aimed at peaceful coexistence.

Support Builds, Yet Key Questions Persist

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope about the resolution’s prospects, informing reporters that progress on the text has been “positive” and that Council action may be on the horizon.

Nevertheless, diplomats involved in discussions report that several issues remain unresolved. Concerns raised by member states include:

• The lack of a clear oversight mechanism for the Board of Peace

• Insufficient detail regarding the role of the Palestinian Authority

• The parameters and regulations governing the proposed International Stabilization Force

Despite these unresolved matters, many Council members appear generally supportive of the fundamental framework, particularly the objective of stabilizing Gaza and preventing another outbreak of conflict.

As negotiations progress, the US insists that rapid action is crucial for the protection of civilians and to fortify the region’s delicate ceasefire. The upcoming days are anticipated to be critical in determining whether the Security Council can find agreement on Trump’s Gaza peace initiative—a truly ambitious diplomatic effort currently capturing global attention.

#Global #World