Revised UN Resolution Aims to Establish International Security Presence
The United States has circulated a revised draft resolution within the UN Security Council calling for the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza. The proposal, which Washington aims to bring to a vote by Friday or early next week, represents a significant diplomatic push to create a multinational security presence in the war-torn territory.
Key Changes in Humanitarian Provisions
The most notable revision in the American text concerns humanitarian aid provisions. Earlier language that would have excluded organizations 'accused of aid misuse' from future cooperation has been completely removed. This change effectively preserves the role of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, despite ongoing Israeli pressure against the organization.
'Hamas welcomes the amendment and calls for immediate admission of UNRWA to work freely in Gaza,' said a spokesperson for the militant group. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini emphasized in The Guardian that 'Gaza's recovery depends on our organization's ability to operate freely and independently.'
Regional Participation Challenges
While Washington actively seeks regional support for both funding and troop contributions, several key nations have expressed reservations. The United Arab Emirates has explicitly ruled out participation, with diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash stating 'we currently see no clear framework for the proposed international stability force and will not participate under current circumstances.'
The US has approached Indonesia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan about potential involvement, though Israel has previously excluded Turkish participation, and Azerbaijan has declined to send peacekeepers while fighting continues.
Mandate and Legal Framework Disputes
A major point of contention remains the legal basis for the mission. The United States wants an ISF mandate under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which authorizes military intervention. However, Arab and European countries fear this approach is too heavy-handed and could undermine regional political support.
According to diplomatic sources, these nations are encouraging the US to make the plan as multinational as possible and involve the Palestinian Authority closely in Gaza's future governance. The ISF would be tasked with ceasefire monitoring, training Palestinian police units, securing border crossings, and assisting with the dismantling of armed groups.
Tony Blair's Controversial Role
The draft resolution references the 'Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict' and a 'Board of Peace' that would coordinate temporary governance and reconstruction funding. The potential involvement of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a US special envoy remains unconfirmed but has already generated controversy in the Arab world.
As reported by The Times of Israel, Blair's proposal calls for creating a Gaza International Transitional Authority to govern until the territory can be handed to a reformed Palestinian Authority.
Humanitarian Access Concerns
Despite the diplomatic progress, humanitarian access to Gaza remains inadequate according to Western sources. The current plan fails to sufficiently address the urgent need for expanded aid delivery, with nearly one million people receiving food assistance through 46 distribution points since mid-October, as reported by UN News.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized that any transition in Gaza must maintain unity with the West Bank and lead to a two-state solution, stressing that 'any potential international stabilization force must have Security Council approval and legitimacy.'
Critical Phase in Diplomatic Efforts
The coming UN resolution is essential for transitioning to the second phase of President Trump's 20-point plan. However, Israel is expected to remain cautious while not all hostage remains have been returned, and concerns persist that some bodies may never be recovered.
Regional countries continue to insist that Gaza and the West Bank must be treated as a single entity in any future political arrangement, adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging diplomatic landscape.