U.S. Proposal for International Stabilization Force in Gaza Faces Challenges
The United States has proposed a resolution to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza under the United Nations mandate. However, this proposal is encountering resistance from several key players, including Russia, China, and some Arab nations. These countries have raised concerns about the establishment of a transitional board that would govern the territory temporarily and the lack of a clear role for the Palestinian Authority.
According to four U.N. diplomats who have been briefed on the matter, the Chinese and Russian representatives—both of whom hold veto power in the U.N. Security Council—have urged the removal of the “Board of Peace” entirely from the resolution. This board, part of President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan, remains a point of contention despite ongoing negotiations.
In the latest draft released late Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the U.S. maintains the language around the board while adding further commitments to Palestinian self-determination. However, the language remains relatively weak, reflecting the challenges in reaching a consensus.
While some responses to the U.S. proposal reflect typical diplomatic negotiations with back-and-forth revisions, the objection to the transitional board highlights significant differences between the U.S. and some members of the U.N. Security Council. These differences have emerged following more than two years of conflict.
At the same time, other members of the council have emphasized the importance of swift action to avoid disrupting progress toward peace. A diplomat noted that the message from the U.S. mission to the U.N. was clear: “attempts to sow discord” could have grave consequences for Palestinians in Gaza. The U.S. urged the council to unite and pass the resolution.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called for the resolution to be passed without delay. He stated, “We’re making good progress on the language of the resolution, and hopefully we’ll have action on it very soon.” His comments came before departing a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada.
UN Security Council Members Seek Changes to the U.S. Proposal
The U.S. first circulated a draft resolution last week to the 15 members of the Security Council. This draft aimed to provide a broad international mandate for the stabilization force to ensure security in Gaza through the end of 2027, working alongside the yet-to-be-established Board of Peace. Arab countries and others interested in participating in the force indicated that such a mandate was necessary for them to contribute troops.
Russia, China, and Algeria expressed opposition to the initial draft, and most other Security Council members submitted amendments. According to one diplomat, the sticking points revolved around the pathway to an independent Palestinian state and the timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
The new draft this week addresses objections that the original resolution did not envision a future independent Palestinian state, though it avoids making absolute commitments. It states that after reforms to the Palestinian Authority are “faithfully carried out and Gaza redevelopment has advanced,” conditions may be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
U.S. Makes Changes but Keeps Transitional Authority
The new draft adds that as the stabilization force “establishes control and stability,” the Israeli military will withdraw from the Gaza Strip. It reiterates that this step would be based on “standards, milestones and timeframes linked to demilitarization and agreed” by Israel, the stabilization force, the U.S., and others.
The United Arab Emirates, a major U.S. ally in peace negotiations, said publicly this week that it does not yet see a clear framework for the proposed stabilization force in Gaza and, under current circumstances, will not take part in it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes Palestinian statehood and a Gaza governed by the Palestinian Authority, which runs pockets of the West Bank. However, the language in Trump’s plan seems to encourage a role for a Palestinian state.
Other countries on the Security Council have asked for further clarification on the Board of Peace, including who will be on it and how it will operate. The new draft did not make significant changes regarding the board.
Some Countries Push Quick Action to Preserve Momentum
Some council members argue that swift adoption of any proposal with the U.N. stamp of approval would be wise to maintain positive momentum on the ground. One diplomat noted that the Americans could become frustrated with the negotiations and decide to proceed unilaterally with a force from willing countries that would not have U.N. backing.
The U.S. likely has three options going forward, according to another diplomat:
- Accept some meaningful amendments.
- Put its draft to a vote, needing nine votes to pass and no veto by any of the Security Council’s permanent members: Russia, China, France, Britain, and the U.S.
- Bring together nations in a “coalition of the willing” outside the U.N. to take on and fund the stabilization of Gaza.
Whether Russia or China would veto a new draft if the U.S. puts it to a vote without significant changes is uncertain. Another diplomat noted that Moscow and Beijing had sought more than half the draft to be removed and only want the stabilization force to report to the Security Council.
Key Details of the U.S. Draft Resolution
The current draft calls for the force to ensure “the process of demilitarizing the Gaza Strip” and “the permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups.” A critical question in Trump’s 20-step plan for a ceasefire and reconstruction in the territory is how to disarm Hamas, which has not fully accepted that step.
The text says the stabilization troops would help secure border areas, along with a Palestinian police force that they have trained and vetted, as well as coordinate with other countries to secure the flow of humanitarian assistance. It calls for the force to closely consult and cooperate with neighboring Egypt and Israel.
It emphasizes the “full resumption” of aid to Gaza by the United Nations, Red Cross, and Red Crescent and ensuring that those needed supplies are not diverted.
