U.S. Gaza Resolution Facesโข Hurdles โDespite Concessions
Negotiations surrounding a U.S.-drafted resolution โฃconcerning the stabilization of Gaza are โคproving complex, with several nations raising concerns โdespite recent โฃAmerican concessions. The โฃcore of the debate centers on the future political status of Palestine and the composition and oversight of a proposed international stabilization force.
Initially,objections focused on the resolution’s lackโ of โขexplicitโ commitment to a future independent Palestinian state. the revised draft attempts to address this, stating that a “credible pathway to Palestinian โself-determination โคand statehood” may emerge after substantial reforms within the Palestinian Authority and notable progress in Gaza’s redevelopment. The U.S. also pledges to initiate dialog between Israel and the Palestinians to establish a “political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.”
The updated draft clarifies the phased withdrawal of Israeli โขforces from โGaza, linking it to the stabilization force’s establishment ofโฃ control and adherence to agreed-upon “standards, milestones โฃand timeframes” related to demilitarization. However, securing international participation in the stabilization force remains a challenge. The United Arab Emirates,โ a key U.S. โally, has publicly expressed reservations, citing a lack of a clear framework for the force’s operation and declining to commit troops under current conditions.
The situation is further complicated by โฃthe differing perspectivesโค ofโข keyโข players. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes both Palestinian statehoodโฃ and a Gaza โgoverned by the Palestinian Authority, despite the resolution’s language seemingly opening a door for a Palestinian role. Furthermore,questions persist regarding the “Board of Peace”โ proposed inโฃ the resolution,with nations seeking clarity on its membership and operational procedures.
A sense of urgency is buildingโ among some โsecurity Council members, who beleive swift adoption – even with imperfections – is crucial to maintain โคmomentum following recent ceasefire developments. Though, the U.S. is reportedly growing frustrated with the protracted negotiations,fearing a return to conflictโ with each passing day.
Facing potential deadlock, the U.S. appears to be โconsidering three primary options: accepting significant amendments to the draft,putting the current version to a vote inโข the Security Council (requiring nine affirmative votesโ and no vetoes from the permanent โคmembers – Russia,China,France,Britain,and the U.S.),โฃ or forging a “coalition of the willing”โ outside the U.N. framework to independently fund and deploy a stabilization force.
The potential for vetoes from Russia and China looms large. Sources indicate โMoscow and Beijing are seeking substantial cuts to the draft, primarilyโ focusing on the stabilization force’s mandate and ensuring it reports โฃdirectly to the Security Council.
A central challenge within the resolution remains the disarmament of hamas, a key component of the โค20-step ceasefire and reconstruction plan. The draft calls for the force to oversee “the process of โdemilitarizing the Gaza strip” and the “permanent decommissioning โฃof weapons from non-state โคarmed groups.” โค The resolution also outlines the โforce’sโข role in securing borders, coordinating with egyptโ and Israel, and ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid, alongsideโข a vetted Palestinian policeโฃ force. โข Emphasis is placed on the “full resumption” of aid delivery through established international organizations, with safeguards against diversion.