UNITED NATIONS: In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan has joined a coalition of key Muslim and Arab nations in endorsing a United States-drafted resolution at the UN Security Council (UNSC) that proposes deploying an international stabilisation force in Gaza.
The joint support was formalized in a statement issued on Friday by Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Jordan, Turkiye, and the United States. The group collectively urged the swift adoption of the resolution, which they described as a “sincere effort” that “provides a viable path towards peace and stability.”
The resolution formally endorses the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” a initiative announced on September 29. The endorsing nations stated that the plan offers a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
The US mission to the UN, in a separate statement, defended its draft as the product of weeks of consultation with regional partners. It warned that the current ceasefire in Gaza remains “fragile” and urged the Council to unite behind the proposal to secure a lasting peace.
The US initiative, however, faces a direct challenge from Russia, which has introduced a competing resolution on Gaza. This sets the stage for a potential diplomatic showdown between the permanent members of the Security Council, each of whom holds veto power.
Key Provisions of the US Draft Resolution
If adopted, the US resolution would authorize:
- A two-year mandate for a transitional governance body in Gaza, referred to as the “Board of Peace,” to be chaired by US President Donald Trump.
- The creation of a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF). This force would be tasked with:
- The permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups.
- Protecting civilians in Gaza.
- Securing corridors for humanitarian aid.
President Trump has previously stated that US troops would not be part of the proposed 20,000-strong force. The US mission emphasized that the resolution aims to build a future for Gaza that is “stable, secure, peaceful and prosperous… free of Hamas.”
Khalid Minhas | Editor, Diplomatic Wire
A veteran journalist with three decades of comprehensive experience, Khalid Minhas has covered politics and international relations in depth throughout his career. He has also contributed to academia, teaching journalism and mass communication as a visiting faculty member at various universities in Pakistan. He holds an M.Phil in Mass Communication and is currently a Ph.D research scholar pursuing advanced studies in the field. He is also the author of the book America, Israel aur Islam, providing insightful analysis on the subject.
