U.S. UN Draft for Gaza Stabilization Force Draws Pushback from Russia, China and Some Arab States

U.S. Proposal for Gaza Stabilization Force Meets Diplomatic Resistance

A U.S. proposal at the United Nations to authorize an international stabilization force in Gaza is meeting resistance from Russia, China and several Arab states. Critics object to a proposed temporary governing body — the so-called "Board of Peace" — and to the draft’s lack of a clear transitional role for the Palestinian Authority.

Diplomats familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity, said both China and Russia — two veto-holding members of the U.N. Security Council — have demanded that references to the Board of Peace in the draft resolution, which draws from a ceasefire plan associated with former President Donald Trump, be removed entirely.

In a revised draft circulated late Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the United States retained language on the board while adding stronger, though still cautious, references to Palestinian self-determination.

Key Points of Contention

Many of the changes reflect routine Security Council bargaining over wording, but opposition to a transitional governing board highlights growing gaps between the U.S. and other powerful council members after more than two years of conflict in Gaza. Russia, China and Algeria publicly voiced objections to the initial text, and all but two council members proposed amendments.

Major sticking points include the timeline and pathway toward an independent Palestinian state and the conditions for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. The revised draft attempts to address concerns about statehood by stating that, after reforms to the Palestinian Authority are faithfully carried out and Gaza redevelopment has advanced, the conditions may be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The draft also says the United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.

Mandate, Milestones and the Board of Peace

The draft would authorize a stabilization force to provide security in Gaza through the end of 2027 while working with the not-yet-established Board of Peace. It adds that as the stabilization force "establishes control and stability," the Israeli military would withdraw from Gaza — but ties any withdrawal to agreed "standards, milestones and timeframes" linked to demilitarization and other benchmarks negotiated among Israel, the force, the United States and partners.

Countries that have expressed interest in contributing troops say a broad international mandate is necessary for them to join. The United Arab Emirates, a key U.S. interlocutor in the talks, has publicly said it does not yet see a clear framework for the stabilization mission and, under current circumstances, will not join.

Options and Diplomatic Dynamics

Some Security Council members urge swift adoption of a U.N.-backed measure to preserve momentum on the ground. Diplomats warned, however, that the United States could grow frustrated with stalled negotiations and move forward unilaterally with a "coalition of the willing" that would not have Security Council authorization.

According to diplomats involved in the discussions, Washington likely faces three options: accept meaningful amendments to the draft; put the draft to a Security Council vote (requiring nine affirmative votes and no veto by any permanent member); or assemble a coalition outside the U.N. to fund and deploy a stabilization mission. Whether Russia or China would veto the current text if put to a vote without significant change remains uncertain.

Mission Tasks and Humanitarian Focus

The draft calls for the stabilization force to support "the process of demilitarizing the Gaza Strip" and the "permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups," a central and unresolved element of the ceasefire plan, since Hamas has not fully accepted disarmament. The text envisions the stabilization troops securing border areas in coordination with a Palestinian police force that the mission would help train and vet, and coordinating with other nations to protect humanitarian supply routes. It also instructs the mission to consult closely with neighboring Egypt and Israel.

The resolution stresses the need for the U.N., the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent to fully resume aid deliveries to Gaza and emphasizes measures to prevent the diversion of lifesaving supplies.

Note: Several media reports quoted U.S. Senator Marco Rubio urging prompt council action; this reference corrects earlier attributions that misidentified him as Secretary of State.