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VOA VIEW -- Is the opinion of "Voice of Americans", which is a private entity not affiliated in any way with the United States government or any of its agencies. The opinions expressed here, in whatever medium or format, are not necessarily the opinions of the ownership or advertisers of this web site - 0415.

     The United States is seeking a mandate of at least two years from the United Nations Security Council for an international stabilization force to be deployed in Gaza, a key element of President Trump’s 20-point plan for a long-term end to the war there.  We will have to wait to see what happens.

     According to a draft resolution, seen by The New York Times, the force would work with Israel and Egypt to ensure the process of demilitarizing Gaza, including the “permanent decommissioning” of weapons from armed groups. It would also train and support Palestinian police personnel, protect civilians and work to secure humanitarian corridors.

     The Times confirmed the contents of the draft resolution with three officials, including two European diplomats. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy.  The draft resolution was first reported by the news site Axios.  It was not clear how the international force would ensure that Gaza is demilitarized. Hamas has long regarded giving up all its weapons as tantamount to surrender, with armed struggle against Israel a crucial part of its ideology.

     A U.N. Security Council mandate is seen as necessary to persuade many countries to consider sending troops to Gaza.  The deployment of international troops could reinforce the fragile cease-fire in Gaza and reduce the likelihood of renewed confrontation between Israel and Hamas, analysts say.  “We hope it is peacekeeping,” King Abdullah of Jordan said in a BBC interview aired last week, referring to the purpose of the force. “Because if it is peace enforcing, nobody will want to touch that. Peacekeeping is that you’re sitting there supporting the local police force, the Palestinians.”

     It is not clear whether the draft would have enough support at the Security Council to be approved. Nine of the 15 members would need to vote in favor of it, and all five permanent members, including Russia and China, would have to abstain from a veto.  The draft is largely in line with Mr. Trump’s plan, which was first presented in September. It says the force would operate under the guidance of an international body known as the “Board of Peace,” and that its mandate would expire on Dec. 31, 2027. The draft suggests that date could be extended.