US Pushes UN Gaza Plan as Russia Counters/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The United States is urging swift approval of its UN resolution supporting Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan. Russia has introduced a competing proposal prioritizing Palestinian statehood and international oversight. Both drafts are expected to be voted on next week, with major geopolitical stakes.
Gaza Peace Resolution Quick Looks
- The U.S. is calling for the UN Security Council to endorse its revised ceasefire resolution on Gaza.
- Russia submitted a counter-proposal emphasizing a two-state solution and UN accountability.
- Trump’s 20-point plan is central to the U.S. resolution, including a transitional Board of Peace.
- The American draft now includes language referencing future Palestinian self-determination.
- Arab nations and key mediators back the U.S. draft, urging rapid adoption.
- Russia’s proposal doesn’t reject the U.S. plan but seeks alignment with past UN decisions.
- The vote on both proposals is expected early next week.
- The U.S. warns against political discord that may worsen the situation in Gaza.
Deep Look
UN Faces Critical Gaza Vote as U.S. and Russia Submit Competing Resolutions
UNITED NATIONS — Tensions are mounting at the United Nations as the U.S. intensifies its diplomatic push to secure backing for a new resolution on Gaza, while Russia counters with its own proposal emphasizing Palestinian statehood and increased UN oversight.
On Friday, the United States and eight key regional players—including Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and others—issued a joint statement urging the UN Security Council to swiftly adopt the latest version of the U.S.-backed draft resolution. Of these nations, only Pakistan currently holds a seat on the 15-member council.
The U.S. proposal supports a comprehensive ceasefire strategy in Gaza based on a 20-point plan developed by former President Donald Trump. A key element of the plan is the establishment of a transitional governance structure called the “Board of Peace,” which Trump would lead. The resolution also calls for deploying an international stabilization force tasked with overseeing border security, demilitarization, and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Facing objections from several Security Council members about the lack of language on Palestinian statehood, the U.S. revised its draft. The new version now acknowledges that once reforms within the Palestinian Authority are fully implemented and Gaza redevelopment is underway, a credible pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and eventual statehood could emerge.
Despite these updates, Russia introduced a rival draft resolution late this week, aiming to reshape the American proposal. The Russian document explicitly supports a two-state solution and calls for Gaza and the West Bank to be unified under the Palestinian Authority. Russia’s draft also requests that the UN provide options for creating an international stabilization force with broader authority.
The Russian mission to the UN explained that it proposed the new text because the council should take a proactive role in guiding accountability and compliance. It stressed that the council must uphold foundational decisions, especially the long-standing principle of a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a statement accompanying the draft, Russia noted that its proposal does not contradict the American plan. Instead, it recognizes the mediation efforts made by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, which helped achieve a fragile ceasefire. Russia also endorsed components of Trump’s plan, including the hostage exchange, body recovery, and the resumption of humanitarian aid and access into Gaza.
According to diplomatic sources, both the U.S. and Russian resolutions are expected to be put to a vote early next week. The U.S. draft may garner the nine votes necessary for adoption, with Russia and China possibly abstaining rather than exercising their veto powers.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Trump’s plan as “the best path to peace in the Middle East” and emphasized that the resolution would provide a roadmap for progress. He also stated that the international stabilization force outlined in the resolution is essential for ensuring long-term security and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Countries that have expressed interest in contributing troops to the stabilization force have underlined that such a mission must be clearly defined and widely authorized under international law. The current draft attempts to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations issued a warning against efforts to undermine the resolution, noting that such disruptions could have serious consequences for civilians in Gaza. The statement urged the council to set aside divisions and adopt the resolution without delay.
As the Security Council prepares for a pivotal vote, global attention remains fixed on whether the body can reach consensus on how to sustain peace in Gaza while addressing longstanding calls for Palestinian autonomy. The outcome may not only shape the future of Gaza but also define the UN’s role in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
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