UN Security Council to Vote on Gaza Plan Amidst Concerns Over Palestinian Deaths in Israeli Custody
UNITED NATIONS – Teh UN Security Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a resolution supporting Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza, as scrutiny intensifies over the conditions facing Palestinians, including the deaths of at least 98 Palestinians in Israeli prisons over the past two years. The American-drafted resolution, revised through extensive negotiations, aims to solidify the fragile ceasefire established on October 10th between Israel and Hamas following two years of conflict in the Palestinian territory.
The draft resolution, reviewed by Agence France-Presse (AFP), “endorses” Trump’s plan and “allows” for the potential establishment of an “international stabilization force” (ISF). This force would be tasked with securing borders in cooperation with Israel and Egypt, demilitarizing Gaza, disarming “non-state armed groups,” protecting civilians, and training a Palestinian police force. The resolution does not specify the composition of the ISF.
Furthermore, the text mandates a “peace commitee” and “transitional governance” organs in Gaza untill the reform of the Palestinian authority, with a deadline of December 31, 2027. According to the 20-point plan annexed to the resolution, Donald Trump would chair this committee.
While earlier versions of the text were silent on the matter, the current draft acknowledges the possibility of a future Palestinian state. It states that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible path towards palestinian self-determination and statehood” following Palestinian Authority reform and Gaza reconstruction. However, this prospect is firmly rejected by Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Sunday, “Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed.”
Russia has circulated a competing resolution, criticizing the American draft for not sufficiently prioritizing a two-state solution. Moscow has affirmed its “unwavering commitment” to this outcome. Unlike the American text, the Russian proposal does not authorize the creation of a Peace Committee or the immediate deployment of a force, instead requesting the UN Secretary General to present “options” on these matters.
The vote comes as concerns mount over the welfare of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody. Reports indicate at least 98 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons in the last two years, raising questions about medical care, conditions of detention, and accountability. These deaths are likely to be a focal point of debate during the Security Council deliberations.
