The United States has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to formally endorse its draft resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warning that Palestinians could face “grave consequences” if the Council fails to act. The appeal comes amid competing proposals, with Russia presenting a counter-resolution that challenges Washington’s approach.

US Warns of “Grave Consequences”

A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said that attempts to undermine Washington’s resolution would result in “grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences” for Palestinians should the ceasefire collapse and Israeli forces resume their offensive. The draft resolution was circulated to all 15 UNSC members last week for negotiations on wording and substance.

The US plan envisions a two-year mandate through the end of 2027 for a transitional governance body in Gaza, named the “Board of Peace,” which Trump would chair. The resolution also proposes the creation of a “temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)” tasked with disarming non-state armed groups, securing humanitarian aid corridors, and collaborating with Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police to stabilize border areas.

International Participation and Limitations

Trump has ruled out sending US troops into Gaza as part of the proposed 20,000-strong force. Washington has held preliminary discussions with countries including Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan to contribute to the ISF. However, concerns remain over potential clashes with Hamas, which could endanger participating soldiers.

The latest US draft also acknowledges a potential path toward Palestinian statehood. It notes that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” once the Palestinian Authority (PA) implements requested reforms. The resolution further emphasizes that the United States will facilitate dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to establish a “political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.”

Russia Presents Counter-Resolution

Despite broad support among UNSC members for the “Board of Peace” concept, questions remain regarding oversight mechanisms, the PA’s future role, and the precise mandate of the ISF. In response, Russia submitted its own draft resolution, aiming to enable the Security Council to adopt “a balanced, acceptable, and unified approach toward achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”

Context: Gaza Ceasefire and Humanitarian Crisis

The proposals follow Trump’s announcement on October 8 that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his 20-point Gaza peace plan. This agreement paused the two-year conflict, which has killed at least 69,179 people in Gaza, according to UN reports. The ceasefire facilitated the exchange of prisoners, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and limited humanitarian aid entry.

However, Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, conducting near-daily attacks that have killed hundreds of Palestinians. Pointing to the fragile situation, the US mission emphasized to the UNSC that immediate action is needed to “secure the peace that is desperately needed” in the Middle East.

Next Steps at the Security Council

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism on Wednesday that the resolution would be adopted, noting “good progress” in negotiations. Still, with Russia’s competing draft and unresolved questions about governance and military oversight, the path to a unified UNSC decision remains uncertain.

The coming weeks are critical, as international support and Security Council consensus will determine whether Trump’s Gaza peace plan can move forward or remain stalled amid the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis.