The United Nations Security Council will begin discussions on a US-drafted resolution on Thursday, aimed at endorsing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, according to a senior US official. The resolution seeks to authorize a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body and an international stabilization force.
The US circulated the draft resolution to the 15 council members late Wednesday, claiming regional support.
“The message is clear: if the region backs us and the resolution’s framework, the council should align as well,” a senior US official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters.
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A council resolution requires at least nine favorable votes and no vetoes from Russia, China, France, Britain, or the United States to pass. When asked about the timing of the vote, the official stated: “The sooner we proceed, the better. We’re looking at weeks, not months.”
“Russia and China will likely contribute input, which we will consider. However, I do not foresee them obstructing what may be the most promising peace plan in a generation,” the official added.
Later on Thursday, Trump informed reporters that the international force would deploy “very soon.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that countries volunteering troops “require this UN mandate to proceed.”
International Force to Have Authority to Disarm Hamas
The draft resolution, viewed by Reuters, proposes authorizing a Peace Board transitional governance body to establish a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza. This force could “use all necessary measures” to fulfill its mission.
The ISF would protect civilians and humanitarian efforts, secure borders with Israel, Egypt, and a “newly trained and vetted Palestinian police force.”
The ISF aims to stabilize Gaza by “ensuring the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, including dismantling and preventing the reconstruction of military and terror infrastructure, as well as permanently decommissioning weapons from non-state armed groups.”
The official stated the draft UN resolution grants the ISF authority to disarm Palestinian militants Hamas. However, the US still anticipates Hamas to “honor its agreement” and relinquish its weapons.
Hamas has yet to indicate whether it will consent to disarm and demilitarize Gaza, a position it has previously rejected.
International Force Expected to Include 20,000 Troops
A senior US official mentioned the ISF might consist of about 20,000 troops.
“We’ve been in consistent communication with potential troop contributors about their mandate needs and preferred language,” the official said. “Most countries are seeking some form of international mandate, preferably the UN.”
The official was unsure if Israel had excluded any countries from contributing troops to the ISF but added: “We maintain ongoing discussions with them.” Last month, Israel announced it would not accept Turkish forces in Gaza under the US peace plan.
Israel and Hamas agreed a month ago to the first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, which includes a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. This plan is annexed to the draft UN Security Council resolution.
“Time is against us. The ceasefire holds but is fragile; we can’t get bogged down in council wordsmithing. This is a true test for the United Nations,” the senior US official said.
