What does the UN-backed Gaza plan entail? • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• UN Security Council Resolution: A decision passed by the UN Security Council concerning the future of Gaza.
• US-backed Plan: A proposal for Gaza's future supported by the United States.
• International Stabilization Force (ISF): A military force to be established in Gaza to ensure security and stability.
• Demilitarization: The process of disarming and dismantling armed groups within Gaza.
• Transitional Authority: A body responsible for governing Gaza during a transition period.
• Palestinian Self-Determination: The right of the Palestinian people to govern themselves and determine their own political status.

UN Security Council Approval of Gaza Plan

The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed plan for the future of Gaza. This plan expands upon the 20-point peace plan previously proposed by US President Donald Trump.

International Stabilization Force (ISF)

• Establishment: The Security Council voted to establish an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Palestinian enclave.
• Mandate: The ISF will have an initial mandate of two years.
• Partnership: The ISF will operate in partnership with Israel and Egypt.
• Responsibilities: Key tasks for the ISF include:
  • Securing Gaza's territory and borders.
  • Demilitarization of armed groups within Gaza.
• Withdrawal of Israeli Forces: Once the ISF establishes control and stability, Israel is expected to withdraw its military presence from Gaza, with the exception of a security perimeter force.
• Composition: The exact composition of the ISF is yet to be determined. However, Arab and Muslim-majority nations, such as Indonesia and Azerbaijan, may participate. Notably, there will be no deployment of UN peacekeepers.
• Hamas Opposition: Hamas has expressed opposition to the ISF, particularly its mandate to demilitarize groups within Gaza.

Oversight and Reconstruction Body

• Oversight: The ISF will be overseen by a board of "peace starts" (likely a mistranscription, intended to refer to a body overseeing peace efforts).
• Mandate of the Board: This body will be responsible for:
  • Leading the economic and physical reconstruction of Gaza.
  • Serving as a transitional authority in the strip.
• Leadership and Membership: The board is chaired by Donald Trump and potentially led by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, the specific membership and exact mandate of this body remain unclear.

Concerns and Palestinian Statehood

• Russia and China's Abstention: Russia and China abstained from the vote, expressing concerns regarding:
  • The significant influence of the US over the two proposed bodies (ISF and the oversight board).
  • The lack of detailed information on how these bodies will function.
  • The absence of Palestinian participation in the oversight board.
• Arab Nations and Palestinian Authority: Arab nations and the Palestinian Authority urged the US to strengthen the resolution's language concerning the establishment of a future Palestinian state.
• Resolution's Inclusion: In response, the resolution includes a mention of Palestinian self-determination, contingent upon reforms within the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs parts of the West Bank.
• Israeli Opposition: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has challenged this point, having previously vowed to oppose any attempts to establish a Palestinian state.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The UN Security Council's approval of the US-backed plan for Gaza marks a significant development, proposing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) and a transitional authority to oversee reconstruction and governance. While aiming to bring stability and security through demilitarization and Israeli withdrawal, the plan faces opposition from Hamas and concerns from Russia and China regarding US influence and lack of Palestinian involvement. The resolution's inclusion of Palestinian self-determination, albeit conditional, is a point of contention with Israeli leadership, highlighting the complex and contested path towards a resolution for Gaza. The specifics of the ISF's composition and the oversight board's mandate remain to be clarified, underscoring the challenges ahead.