US advances draft resolution to UN Security Council for Gaza peace plan

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has received a draft resolution from the United States proposing a two-year mandate for a multinational governance mission in the Gaza Strip. The move signals Washington’s push to shift the conflict dynamics by institutionalizing key international participation in Gaza’s future. 

The draft text was shared with the ten elected, non-permanent, members of the UNSC. It envisions the creation of a transitional governing body labelled as the “Board of Peace,” as well as an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) which will be authorised to use force if necessary. 

According to US officials, the resolution holds regional backing from countries including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey, emphasizing a coordinated Arab-US approach. 

The draft originates from a larger 20-step peace plan related to the current phase of the war between Hamas and Israel, and is tied to the ceasefire that took place on October 10 and the hostage release deal. 

Under the proposal, the ISF, comprising troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would oversee the demilitarisation of Gaza, manage security as the Israeli army withdraws, and supervise reconstruction efforts under international oversight.

Despite these efforts, significant hurdles remain. The resolution still requires nine positive votes in the UNSC and must avoid any refusal by one of the five permanent members that are the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France.

Markedly, China and Russia have not yet been fully involved in talks, raising doubts about the approval timeline. 

Analysts also point to the challenge of gaining Hamas’s acceptance of demilitarisation, as well as defining how the ISF will operate and then transition the control back to the Palestinian authorities once peace and restoration is achieved.

If approved, the resolution would make major difference in Gaza’s governance and security structure, but its success will depend on complex diplomacy and the coordination of international troops and resources under a UN administration.