A Path to Establishing a Palestinian State.. Russia and China Oppose the U.S. Resolution on Gaza

Sada News - Last night, Russia proposed a draft resolution at the United Nations regarding a plan to end the war in Gaza, which it formulated in response to a U.S. proposal that was opposed by Moscow, Beijing, and several Arab countries.

The Russian mission to the United Nations indicated in a memorandum obtained by Reuters that "its draft resolution is inspired by the U.S. proposal."

The memorandum stated that "the goal of our draft is to enable the Security Council to adopt a balanced, acceptable, and unified approach towards achieving a sustainable ceasefire."

The Russian draft, which Reuters also reviewed, demands that the UN Secretary-General outlines options for an international force to stabilize Gaza and does not mention the "Peace Council" proposed by the United States to manage the transitional period in Gaza.

However, the U.S. mission to the UN urged the Security Council to proceed with approving the American text.

An American mission spokesperson stated that "attempts to sow discord now - when the agreement on this resolution is under active negotiation - have grave, tangible consequences that can be totally avoided for the Palestinians in Gaza."

He added, "The ceasefire is fragile, and we urge the Council to unite and move forward to achieve the peace that is so urgently needed."

The Associated Press reported that the U.S. draft resolution in the Security Council concerning the plan to end the war in Gaza and deploy an international force there is facing opposition from Russia, China, and several Arab countries.

According to the Associated Press, four diplomats at the UN who spoke on condition of anonymity indicated that unnamed Arab countries expressed concern over the absence of any role for the Palestinian Authority (in managing Gaza), as the U.S. proposal did not include any role for the authority.

The diplomats added that Russia and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power, demanded the removal of the Peace Council stipulated in the U.S. draft resolution.

According to diplomatic sources for Al Jazeera, the United States distributed a revised draft resolution for the second time to the members of the Security Council, supporting a comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza and urging all parties to implement it immediately and fully.

The sources clarified that a specific reference was added in the draft resolution to "a path towards self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state," as well as a role for the United States in initiating dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians for a "political horizon for prosperous peaceful coexistence."

The sources revealed that the draft resolution clarified that the authority of the Peace Council, and its supervision of the Gaza Strip, would be "transitional."

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty disclosed on Tuesday that there were remarks from several countries regarding the U.S. draft resolution, expressing hope to reach consensus formulations without undermining Palestinian constants.

The Egyptian minister explained at the time that his country is engaged in ongoing consultations in New York regarding this issue, and is in daily consultation with the United States, in addition to consultations with all Security Council members and with the Arab group through Algeria, which is currently a member of the Council.

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that it was making efforts in the Security Council to formulate a resolution that establishes the international framework for a stability force in Gaza, indicating that the countries that volunteered to participate in this force need a mandate from the Council.

Trump stated a few days ago that he believes the arrival of the international force to Gaza is very close, and that matters are "going well so far" in the ceasefire process.

The ceasefire in Gaza began on October 10, following two years of Israeli annihilation, under the Sharm El Sheikh Agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in a 20-point plan laid out by the U.S. president.

However, Israel continues to launch attacks on Gaza almost daily and restricts the entry of humanitarian assistance contrary to what the agreement stipulates.