DONALD Trump’s Gaza plan has been backed by the UN Security Council as the President prepares to take charge of a “Board of Peace” that could include Sir Tony Blair.
The former British PM has been .
Donald Trump will chair a “Board of Peace” made up of several world leadersCredit: Getty
Tony Blair has almost 30 years experience in the middle eastCredit: Alamy
On Monday, the UN Security Council voted in favour of a US-drafted resolution supporting a multi-phased peace plan for Gaza.
Trump’s draft resolution – backed by 13 countries including the UK, France and Somalia – also calls for the mass resumption of aid via humanitarian organisations such as the UN, the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.
No country voted against the proposal, with Russia and China both abstaining.
However, Hamas immediately rejected it, claiming the resolution failed to meet Palestinians’ “political and humanitarian demands and rights”.
It warned that it imposed “an international trusteeship on the Gaza Strip, which our people, its forces, and its constituent groups reject”.
Palestinian analyst Reham Owda said the statement should be seen as an objection, rather than a full rejection.
Key Elements of the Plan
Two of the most important points of are that Gaza will become a terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours, and that it will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, “who have suffered more than enough”.
The resolution also lays the groundwork for an international force to work alongside Israel, Egypt and a newly trained Palestinian police force to secure border areas and begin the demilitarisation of Gaza.
It adds that Hamas members who “commit to peaceful coexistence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty”, and that those wishing to leave will be granted safe passage to third countries.
However, while Hamas is excluded from any role in governance, there is no clause explicitly demanding the militant group disbands entirely or leaves Gaza.
Regional Political Responses
Some Palestinians in Gaza cautiously welcomed the UN vote.
“Any international decision that benefits the Palestinians now is welcome.
“The important thing is that the war ends,” said Saeb Al-Hassanat, 39, who lives in a school sheltering displaced people in central Gaza.
“It doesn’t matter who rules us. We welcome international administration of Gaza.
“Without strong pressure from the US, Israel will not comply with any decision, and the Security Council resolution will remain worthless,” he added.
Israel’s Prime Minister backed the resolution, claiming it would deliver “peace and prosperity because it insists upon full demilitarisation, disarmament and the deradicalisation of Gaza”.
But just a day after the endorsement, Netanyahu called for Hamas to be expelled entirely.
In a series of posts on X, he wrote: “Israel extends its hand in peace and prosperity to all of our neighbors,” but also urged neighbouring states to “join us in expelling Hamas and its supporters from the region”.
Much of Gaza remain buried in debris from months of bombardmentCredit: Getty
Many Gazans must rebuild their lives from scratchCredit: Getty
Millions of residents have been displaced by the conflictCredit: AFP
The Palestinian foreign minister welcomed the Security Council vote, claiming it affirmed his people’s “right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state”.
The resolution itself hints at a future Palestinian state.
It states that once the Palestinian Authority carries out the requested reforms and reconstruction is underway, “the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”.
However, Israel has firmly rejected any prospect of independence.
One of the most striking elements of .
Trump said he intends to bring in “powerful world leaders”, with Sir Tony Blair the first name floated so far.
Blair reportedly “gets on well” with Benjamin Netanyahu, and boasts nearly 30 years of experience in the Middle East.
Ceasefire and Humanitarian Situation
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on 10 October as part of the plan’s first phase.
Israel has partially withdrawn forces but still controls around 53% of Gaza, and both sides have accused each other of violations.
Since the ceasefire began, all 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas have been released, while the remains of 28 others have been handed over.
The remains of three people yet to be returned remain a sticking point.
Israel accuses Hamas of delaying, while Hamas claims it lacks the equipment to search the rubble.
On the ground, scores of Gaza remain buried in debris from months of bombardment, with millions still displaced.
Some residents have returned to the ruins of their former homes, while others prepare to rebuild their lives from the beginning.
Trump’s proposal was backed by 13 countriesCredit: AFP
Netanyahu called for Hamas to be expelled entirely from the regionCredit: AFP 
