U.S. to start UN negotiations on Thursday on international Gaza force mandate

The United Nations Security Council is set to begin discussions on Thursday over a U.S.-drafted resolution backing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, according to a senior American official.

The proposal would grant a two-year mandate for a transitional governing body and an international stabilisation force.

The United States circulated the draft to all 15 council members on Wednesday evening, saying it already has regional backing from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.

“The message is simple: if the region supports this resolution and its structure, then the council should too,” the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

For the resolution to pass, it requires at least nine affirmative votes and no vetoes from any of the five permanent members — Russia, China, France, Britain or the United States.

When asked about the timeline, the official said: “The sooner we move, the better. We’re talking weeks, not months.”

“Russia and China will naturally have their input,” the official added, “but I don’t see them obstructing what is arguably the most promising peace initiative in a generation.”

International force to have powers to disarm Hamas

A draft seen by Reuters would authorise the creation of a transitional “Board of Peace” administration to establish an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza. The ISF would be allowed to “use all necessary measures” — diplomatic shorthand for the use of force — to fulfil its mission.

Its duties would include protecting civilians and humanitarian operations, securing border areas with Israel, Egypt, and a newly trained Palestinian police force, and ensuring Gaza’s demilitarisation through the dismantling and prevention of reconstruction of militant infrastructure and weapons.

According to the U.S. official, the resolution grants the ISF authority to disarm Hamas, though Washington still expects the group to meet its commitments and voluntarily surrender its arms. Hamas has yet to state whether it will comply, having previously rejected disarmament demands.

Around 20,000 troops expected

The ISF is anticipated to consist of roughly 20,000 troops. While the Trump administration has ruled out deploying U.S. soldiers, it is in talks with countries such as Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and Azerbaijan to contribute personnel.

“We’re in ongoing contact with potential troop contributors to understand their needs in terms of the mandate and specific wording,” the official said. “Most want an international mandate — ideally from the U.N.”

The official said he was unaware of any countries explicitly rejected by Israel but noted, “We’re in constant dialogue with them.” Israel previously said it would not accept Turkish troops as part of any Gaza deployment under the U.S. plan.

A month ago, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, involving a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. That agreement is attached to the current draft U.N. resolution.

“Time is not on our side,” the senior official warned. “The ceasefire is holding but fragile. We can’t afford endless negotiations over wording — this will be a real test for the United Nations.”

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