U.N. Security Council Draft Resolution on Gaza: Key Issues and Implications

The United States has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council aimed at establishing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, alongside a transitional governance body known as the Board of Peace (BoP). This initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which seeks to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and establish a pathway to Palestinian self-determination. The resolution proposes a two-year mandate for both the ISF and the BoP, which would oversee reconstruction efforts and ensure the demilitarization of Gaza.

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The draft resolution has raised significant legal concerns. It lacks explicit consent from Palestinian authorities, which is typically required for the deployment of international forces under U.N. mandates. The absence of such consent could render the establishment of the BoP and the ISF coercive, necessitating invocation of Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter for legal authority. Critics argue that the draft's language intentionally avoids clear references to Chapter VII, potentially undermining its legitimacy and authority.

Just Security

The U.S. claims that the resolution has garnered regional support from countries including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. However, the resolution's success hinges on obtaining at least nine votes in favor from the Security Council without any vetoes from permanent members like Russia and China, who may oppose certain aspects of the plan.

UN Security Council begins negotiations on US draft for international forces in Gaza

In Israel, senior ministers have expressed concerns that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer have bypassed the Security Cabinet in negotiations regarding the resolution. Critics within the Israeli government fear that the resolution could lead to a de facto diplomatic agreement on Gaza's future without adequate input from key decision-makers. They argue that the draft fails to address critical issues such as the role of the Palestinian Authority and the operational scope of the ISF.

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The draft resolution mentions the Palestinian Authority only once, stating that control of Gaza will be handed over once it satisfactorily completes a reform program. Palestinian officials have called for a more significant role in governance and security, emphasizing the need for their involvement in the ISF's operations. However, Netanyahu has consistently opposed any role for the Palestinian Authority in post-war governance.

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Discrepancies exist regarding the draft's reception among various stakeholders. While some Arab countries have indicated support, others have expressed reservations about the ISF's mandate, particularly concerning disarmament and coordination with the Israel Defense Forces. The draft's provisions for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts also remain contentious, with concerns about the potential exclusion of organizations like UNRWA.

US draft resolution opens critical debate on Gaza security force

The U.N. Security Council's discussions on the U.S.-drafted resolution for Gaza highlight the complexities of establishing a sustainable peace framework in the region. The legal ambiguities, lack of Palestinian consent, and internal Israeli dissent pose significant challenges to the resolution's implementation. As negotiations continue, the outcome will likely shape the future governance and security landscape in Gaza.

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• “The parties have seized this historic opportunity to finally end decades of bloodshed and make the president’s vision of lasting peace in the Middle East a reality.” — U.S. Mission to the United Nations

Times of Israel

• “But at the end of the day, if fundamental issues of authority and legitimacy are not resolved, such an arrangement would quickly run into disagreements and conflicts both internally and externally.” — Legal Expert on the Draft Resolution

Just Security

• “No input has been sought on the composition of forces, their mandate, operational scope, disarmament definitions, Hamas’ status or the role of the Palestinian Authority,” — Orit Strock, Israeli Minister

YnetNews