Web Desk; The United Nations Security Council has begun deliberations on a US-sponsored resolution aimed at endorsing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, establishing a two-year transitional governance authority, and authorising an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza.
According to a senior US official, Washington formally circulated the draft to the 15-member council on Wednesday night and claims it has received regional backing from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
“The message is simple: if the region supports the plan, the Security Council should, too,” the official told Reuters, requesting anonymity.
To pass, the resolution needs at least nine affirmative votes and no vetoes from permanent members — the US, Russia, China, France, or Britain. The official said the US hopes to move toward a vote “within weeks, not months,” expressing confidence that Russia and China will not block what Washington describes as “the most promising plan for peace in a generation.”
ISF to Have Mandate to Disarm Hamas and Secure Gaza Borders
The draft resolution, reviewed by Reuters, proposes creating a transitional Board of Peace to oversee Gaza’s governance and authorises the formation of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) empowered to “use all necessary measures” — military force if required — to fulfil its mission.
The ISF would protect civilians, support humanitarian operations, and secure border areas with Israel, Egypt, and a newly trained Palestinian police force. It would also oversee the demilitarisation of Gaza, including dismantling militant infrastructure and permanently disarming non-state armed groups, notably Hamas.
A senior US official confirmed that the ISF’s mandate includes authority to disarm Hamas, though Washington expects the group to “honour the agreement and surrender its weapons.” Hamas has not confirmed whether it will comply, having previously rejected calls for disarmament.
ISF Expected to Include 20,000 Troops; US Will Not Deploy Soldiers
The ISF is expected to consist of around 20,000 troops from Muslim-majority nations. While the US will not send its soldiers, discussions are ongoing with Indonesia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, the UAE, and Azerbaijan regarding troop contributions.
“Almost all potential contributors want a clear international mandate — preferably from the UN,” the official said. Israel has reportedly opposed Turkish troops taking part in the Gaza deployment.
The Gaza ceasefire, part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan agreed between Israel and Hamas last month, remains fragile. The US official warned that delays could jeopardise the process, calling this “a real test for the United Nations.”
