The United Nations Security Council on Monday approved President Trump's comprehensive peace plan for Gaza with overwhelming support, passing the resolution with 13 votes in favor and zero votes against in what represents a major diplomatic breakthrough after two years of devastating conflict, according to The New York Times.
The resolution provides legal UN mandate for the Trump administration's vision of moving past the current ceasefire and rebuilding the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. Russia and China, either of which could have vetoed the measure, chose to abstain from voting, apparently influenced by strong support from Arab and Muslim nations including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, The New York Times reported.
Trump's 20-Point Framework Gains International Support
The US resolution centers on Trump's detailed 20-point cease-fire plan, which calls for an International Stabilization Force to enter, demilitarize and govern Gaza, according to Theglobalobservatory analysis. The proposal also envisions establishing a "Board of Peace" to oversee implementation of the peace plan, though the composition of this governing body remains unclear.
The breakthrough represents a stark contrast to the diplomatic isolation the United States experienced at the United Nations over the past two years due to its staunch support for Israel during the eight-decade-long conflict, The New York Times noted. This shift in international support marks a significant achievement for Trump's unconventional diplomatic approach.
Unique Diplomatic Strategy Yields Results
Trump's success in securing this Gaza breakthrough appears to stem from his distinctive relationships and negotiating style that eluded the Biden administration's efforts over nearly two years, according to BBC analysis. The breakthrough came after what initially seemed like a major setback on September 9, when Israel's air strike against the Hamas negotiating team in Qatar violated the sovereignty of an American ally and appeared to push peace prospects further away.
Instead, this incident became a pivotal moment leading to Trump's announcement of a deal to release all remaining hostages, BBC reported. Trump's close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, built during his first presidential term when he moved the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and abandoned the long-held US position that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank are illegal, proved crucial to the negotiations.
Convergence with Broader International Efforts
The Trump plan shows remarkable similarities with other international peace initiatives, creating potential for broader diplomatic convergence, according to The Guardian analysis. The US envoy Steve Witkoff has described a 21-point White House plan for Palestine that regional leaders broadly support, which French President Emmanuel Macron says is compatible with the plan for Palestine endorsed by the UN General Assembly.
Both the Trump plan and UN-backed initiatives reject mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and exclude Hamas from future governance of Palestine, The Guardian reported. Both approaches insist on decommissioning Hamas weapons while stopping short of proscribing the organization entirely, suggesting a pragmatic approach to long-term stability.
UN Chief Welcomes Historic Agreement
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire announcement, praising the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in brokering the desperately needed breakthrough, according to News reports from the UN. Guterres emphasized that "the fighting must stop once and for all" and called for immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
The United Nations is tasked under the US plan, along with the Red Crescent, with overseeing the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to the devastated territory. The organization has committed to implementing roles entrusted to it in the resolution, though it has no defined role in finalizing the Board of Peace or the planned stabilization force, News reported.
Implementation Challenges and Skeptical Voices
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, considerable uncertainty remains about implementation and long-term sustainability of the agreement, according to Theglobalobservatory analysis. The ceasefire arrangement could easily unravel if either side fails to uphold commitments, and skeptics argue the 20-point plan cannot be considered a credible or comprehensive peace solution on its own.
The plan falls short of providing a clear framework to address root causes of the conflict or outlining how Israelis and Palestinians might coexist peacefully and sustainably, Theglobalobservatory noted. Critics question whether Trump's "shock and awe" foreign policy approach, while achieving quick results, can produce sustainable long-term solutions to complex geopolitical challenges.
Immediate Humanitarian Focus
On the ground, UN humanitarian efforts continue with urgency as winter approaches. The organization is fast-tracking $18 million from the occupied Palestinian territory Humanitarian Fund to bolster relief efforts, including tent distribution, tarpaulins and essential items for affected families, according to News reports.
The funding has already enabled partners to move ahead with more than 30 planned projects covering food, nutrition and other critical needs as heavy rains begin to compound dire living conditions in Gaza. Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized it is "essential now to translate the diplomatic momentum into concrete and urgently needed steps on the ground."
The Security Council's endorsement of Trump's peace plan represents a remarkable diplomatic turnaround that could reshape Middle East peace efforts, though the true test lies in successful implementation and whether this breakthrough can establish lasting stability in one of the world's most intractable conflicts.