The UN Security Council has approved a resolution supporting a 20-point plan for Gaza drafted by the United States, which includes the establishment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF). The ISF is intended to be supported by various unnamed countries, according to US officials. The resolution received backing from 13 nations, including the UK, France, and Somalia, while Russia and China abstained from voting.
Hamas has rejected the resolution, arguing that it does not adequately address the rights and demands of the Palestinian people. The ISF’s responsibilities would involve the permanent decommissioning of weapons held by non-state armed groups, such as Hamas, alongside protecting civilians and humanitarian aid routes. This suggests that Hamas would need to surrender its arms, as stipulated in the peace plan.
Following the Security Council’s vote, Hamas stated that assigning the ISF tasks related to disarming armed factions compromises its neutrality, indicating a potential bias in favor of Israel. In addition to authorizing the ISF, the draft resolution proposes the formation of a newly trained Palestinian police force in Gaza, replacing the existing police that operate under Hamas’s authority.
US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, described the ISF’s role as essential in securing the area, aiding in the demilitarization of Gaza, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, and protecting Palestinian civilians. The first phase of the plan, which includes a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the return of hostages, was implemented on October 10. The draft also suggests the potential establishment of a Palestinian state, a point of contention for Israel.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rpkgq4wllo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss