UPDATE: The UN Security Council has just voted to endorse Donald Trump’s controversial 20-point plan for Gaza, a decision that could reshape the region’s future. The resolution, which passed with the support of 13 countries, including the UK, France, and Somalia, aims to establish an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza. Notably, neither Russia nor China opposed the proposal but chose to abstain.
This urgent move comes amid escalating tensions as Hamas swiftly rejected the resolution, claiming it undermines Palestinian rights and fails to address their demands. “Assigning the international force with tasks and roles inside the Gaza Strip strips it of its neutrality,” the group stated, denouncing the ISF’s potential role in disarming them.
The ISF is expected to focus on the “permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups,” including Hamas, while also ensuring the safety of civilians and humanitarian aid routes. This would necessitate Hamas disarming, a requirement tied to Trump’s peace plan.
Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, emphasized the ISF’s mission: “We will secure the area, support the demilitarization of Gaza, dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, and ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians.” The initial phase of the plan—a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, alongside the release of hostages—was implemented on October 10 and is described as a “fragile first step.”
The resolution also proposes creating a newly trained Palestinian police force in Gaza, which would mark a significant shift from Hamas’s current control over law enforcement. This development raises critical questions about governance and security in the region.
As reactions unfold, the international community watches closely. The endorsement of Trump’s plan could pave the way for a Palestinian state, a contentious issue that Israel vehemently opposes.
With the situation evolving rapidly, all eyes are on the next steps and the potential implications for peace and stability in Gaza. This decision marks a pivotal moment in a long-standing conflict, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic solutions.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
