On November 17th, the UN Security Council passed, with a vote of 13-0, a US-drafted resolution that supports President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. Both China and Russia abstained from voting and using their veto power.
Trump’s 20-point peace plan focuses on ending hostilities on both sides, sending aid into the Gaza Strip, releasing hostages from both sides, and deciding upon the governance of Gaza. Two main points highlighted are the creation of an International Stability Force (ISF) and a Board of Peace. The Board of Peace will be chaired by President Trump and other officials, such as Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Controversy was stirred by this appointment, as Blair was severely criticized for his decision to support the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The board is meant to “set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza”. The ISF, on the other hand, will be created to secure border regions, train vetted soldiers, prevent arms from entering Gaza, and rebuild the area. However, all of this will only happen if Hamas agrees to it; the plan specifies that if “Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above… will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the [Israel Defense Forces] to the ISF”.
On the 15-person Security Council, both China and Russia chose not to vote on the resolution, highlighting concerns with the plan. China mainly focused on the independence of Palestine, saying that it “upholds the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine”. Russia, similarly, states that the plan is opposite to “generally recognized international legal decisions that provide for the creation of an independent and territorially contiguous State of Palestine”. Regardless, the plan has been signed off on for the first phase by both Israel and Hamas.
Nonetheless, both sides have showcased disagreements with the plan. Prime Minister Netanyahu, for example, has suggested that he will not accept a Palestinian-run Gaza in the near future, contrary to what Trump’s plan states. Hamas, also, has stated reservations. Saying that they “ will never accept anyone who is not Palestinian to control the Palestinians”, they also contend Tony Blair’s appointment due to his contentious role in the Iraq war.
While the ceasefire remains tenuous with disagreements on both sides, it remains a notable step towards a calmer future. Hopefully, such a step will allow both sides to consider permanent, long-term solutions for goodwill.