Draft Resolution Overview

In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has introduced a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council. This proposal aims to partner with nations to drive forward President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan while concurrently authorizing the deployment of an international security force. In discussions with representatives from key regional players, including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, Waltz seeks to coordinate humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in alignment with this initiative.

International Stabilization Force

The draft resolution envisions a two-year international stabilization force in Gaza, functioning under U.N. supervision. This measure is part of what is described as “phase two” of a comprehensive postwar agenda. According to reports from major news agencies, the proposed mission would be empowered to act decisively—using “all necessary measures” to ensure the security of Gaza, safeguard civilians, and initiate the demilitarization of armed factions following large-scale hostilities.

Collaborative Approach

At the heart of the proposal is the establishment of a transitional “Board of Peace” designed to facilitate cooperation among Egypt, Israel, and an approved Palestinian police force. While the U.S. has ruled out deploying its own combat troops, it is encouraging contributions from predominantly Muslim nations, including Indonesia, Egypt, the UAE, and Turkey. However, Israeli officials have voiced strong reservations about the inclusion of Turkish troops near their borders.

Perspectives on Peacekeeping

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, John Spencer, the executive director of the Urban Warfare Institute, shared a perspective on the potential success of the initiative, likening it to historical precedents. He remarked that lessons from Kosovo, where the NATO-led KFOR was deployed post-conflict, can be insightful. “For Gaza, I would like people to think Kosovo, not Lebanon,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of a clear mandate, robust troop presence, and the authority to act effectively.

Historical Precedents

The Kosovo Force, which stabilized the region after the 1999 NATO campaign, provides a relevant example. With approximately 50,000 troops deployed under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244, the KFOR successfully separated combatants and rebuilt governance. Spencer highlighted that KFOR served as a model due to its clear disarmament mandate and sufficient forces to enforce peace.

Spencer further referenced the 1995 Dayton Accords, which marked the end of the Bosnian war, and the subsequent NATO-led forces that set a precedent for effective peacekeeping through significant military presence and clear objectives. “Those were significant forces with clear mandates,” he noted, underscoring the importance of legitimacy and capability in peace operations.

Challenges and Considerations

Spencer cautioned that the mission in Gaza will require considerable patience and a robust command structure. “If someone believes this will disappear from the news in six months, that’s unrealistic,” he warned, drawing attention to the continued presence of KFOR even after many years.

He also referenced the Australian-led mission in East Timor as an example where restoring order and governance swiftly followed a legitimate intervention. “East Timor exhibits how quickly rebuilding governance can start with a legitimate force trusted by locals,” he stated.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

In stark contrast, Spencer pointed out the limitations of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), critiquing its effectiveness in countering Hezbollah and calling for lessons to be applied in Gaza. Successful missions should focus on liberating areas from militant control rather than appearing as occupying forces. He described an “inkblot strategy,” encouraging the stabilization of cleared districts while combat operations continue elsewhere.

He envisions a scenario where high-intensity operations conducted by the Israel Defense Forces will run parallel to the international force’s efforts to provide humanitarian aid, demining, and restoring order within designated secure zones.

The Path Forward

During his visit to Gaza, Spencer observed what he described as a “glimmer of hope” among new humanitarian zones developed in secure areas. He expressed optimism that initiating efforts on a small scale could foster greater success. Currently, approximately 200 U.S. personnel are engaged in a civil-military coordination center aimed at managing logistics and planning for the proposed transition in Israel—an essential role that avoids direct combat involvement.

Addressing Opposition

However, Spencer alerts to the inevitable challenges awaiting the peacekeeping mission, including disinformation campaigns and potential violent opposition from factions unwilling to endorse peace. He stressed the importance of addressing these threats proactively, noting that some entities will actively undermine the efforts for stabilization in Gaza.

Building Local Capacity

Ultimately, the success of the stabilization mission hinges on building local governance and capabilities. “Training a vetted Palestinian police force and governance team is crucial,” Spencer concluded, underscoring that local legitimacy must be established from day one to ensure the mission achieves its objectives.