Trump Administration Orchestrated UN Resolution on Gaza Following Oct. 7 Attacks
US Ambassador Mike Waltz details how a Trump-led initiative secured the return of hostages and established a framework for Gaza's future, countering initial UN responses.
Following the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, the United Nations has shifted from a stance perceived as equivocating to one that supports a framework for peace and reconstruction in Gaza, according to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz.
In the aftermath of the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, the taking of 251 hostages, and widespread atrocities, UN special rapporteurs faced criticism for their responses. Some, like Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, were accused of rationalizing the attacks. Reem Alsalem, rapporteur on combating violence against women, was reported to have denied that rape occurred during the Hamas onslaught. Tlaleng Mofokeng, focused on health, was quoted as stating that Hamas are not terrorists and defending the legitimacy of their armed struggle. These remarks came amid revelations that UNRWA employees participated in the Oct. 7 attacks.
The Trump administration, however, pursued a different path, aiming to bring hostages home, keep Hamas out of government, demilitarize Gaza, and establish a technocratic Palestinian administration supported by Arab and international partners for security and reconstruction. This plan was presented to the United Nations Security Council.
UN Security Council Endorses Trump's Gaza Plan
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, passed without opposition, endorsed the Trump administration's plan. The resolution welcomed the establishment of a "Board of Peace" and authorized an "International Stabilization Force" (ISF) for Gaza. The ISF's mandate includes securing Gaza, supporting vetted Palestinian police, protecting civilians and humanitarian operations, and preventing the rebuilding of terrorist infrastructure.
The initiative has been credited with the return of all 251 hostages and the establishment of a cease-fire. The Board of Peace has reportedly gained 28 member countries, and the ISF has completed its pre-deployment assessment. An estimated $17 billion has been pledged for reconstruction efforts.
Advancing Regional Partnerships
Waltz noted that the Abraham Accords, initially established during the Trump administration, have continued to expand and have proven resilient despite regional conflicts. He highlighted recent gatherings of Abraham Accords members and a ministerial summit between Morocco and Israel, which led to agreements to expand direct flights, elevate diplomatic missions to embassies, and advance new investment and tax agreements.
These diplomatic efforts are seen as creating a pathway forward for Gaza, offering an alternative to previous scenarios of Hamas rule or prolonged Israeli military presence. The ongoing challenge includes the full decommissioning of Hamas and other armed groups, but a framework for addressing the conflict has been established.