What's happened
The UN Security Council approved a resolution supporting a multinational force to oversee Gaza's ceasefire and security, including training a Palestinian police force and demilitarization efforts. Israel and Palestine respond differently, amid ongoing tensions and military actions.
What's behind the headline?
The UN resolution marks a significant diplomatic shift towards international involvement in Gaza's security. The proposed multinational force aims to demilitarize Gaza and support Palestinian self-governance, but faces resistance from Hamas and regional powers like Turkey and Russia. Israel's leadership, including Netanyahu, publicly endorses the plan, emphasizing disarmament and regional integration, yet internal political divisions and opposition highlight the complexity of implementing such a strategy. The plan's success hinges on regional cooperation and the willingness of Palestinian factions to disarm, which remains uncertain. The resolution's emphasis on a transitional authority and Palestinian self-determination reflects a broader push for long-term peace, but the absence of clear enforcement mechanisms and the ongoing conflict suggest that stability is still distant. The international community's backing, especially from Arab and Muslim nations, underscores the geopolitical importance of Gaza, but the risk of regional escalation persists if the plan falters or is rejected by key actors. Overall, this development signals a potential turning point, but the path to peace remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the UN resolution's details, including the support for a multinational force and regional reactions, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the complex regional diplomacy involved. The Independent provides insight into Israel's response, Netanyahu's public statements, and the internal political debates, emphasizing the divergence between official endorsements and political opposition. The Times of Israel offers a perspective on Netanyahu's nuanced stance, the opposition's criticism, and the broader implications for Israeli policy, illustrating the internal political dynamics and regional diplomacy at play. Reuters adds context on the international negotiations, the role of the US, and the regional support from countries like Turkey and Indonesia, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes and the potential outcomes of the plan.
How we got here
The resolution follows nearly two weeks of negotiations after Hamas's surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, which led to a large-scale conflict. The US-backed plan aims to stabilize Gaza, disarm Hamas, and promote Palestinian self-determination, though it faces opposition from Hamas and some regional actors. The plan includes a transitional authority and international force, with support from Arab nations and some Muslim-majority countries, amid ongoing violence and Israeli military operations.
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