The US proposes a Gaza stabilization force until 2027 in a pitch to the United Nations, aiming to end the war between Israel and Hamas. This international stabilization force, if approved by a UN resolution, would operate for at least two years. The draft plan, confirmed by US officials, outlines a complex process involving negotiations with the 15-member council and international partners. Arab and other countries, crucial for troop contributions, require UN backing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the need for a Security Council mandate for any entity in Gaza. The draft, circulated on Tuesday, serves as a starting point for consensus-building. China and Russia, permanent council members, may oppose the US resolution. The force's mandate includes demilitarization and disarmament of non-state armed groups. Disarming Hamas, a key challenge, remains unresolved. The plan grants participating countries a broad mandate for security in Gaza until 2027, working with a 'Board of Peace' to govern the territory. Egypt and Israel are to be closely consulted and cooperated with. Stabilization troops will secure borders, train and vet a Palestinian police force, and coordinate humanitarian aid. The plan emphasizes the full resumption of aid to Gaza, ensuring supply security. Britain's minister, Hamish Falconer, highlights the focus on ceasefire maintenance and aid flow. Phase two of Trump's plan raises questions, with the first phase yet to be fully implemented. A recent development is the handover of hostage remains by the Israeli Defense Forces, a sign of progress under the US-brokered ceasefire. Hamas has returned 20 hostage remains, and Israel has released 15 Palestinian remains for each Israeli hostage. The war, triggered by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 68,800 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry. Israel disputes these figures, denying accusations of genocide.
