UN Expert Condemns Security Council Resolution on Gaza, Criticizing US-Led Peace Plan
A United Nations (UN) expert, Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, has strongly criticized the UN Security Council's Resolution 2803, which endorses a US-led peace plan for Gaza. Albanese argues that the resolution undermines Palestine's right to self-determination and fails to adhere to international law and the UN Charter. The resolution, adopted on Monday with 13 votes in favor and Russia and China abstaining, endorses US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan, recognizing a 'Board of Peace' and authorizing the establishment of a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to oversee Gaza's governance.
In her statement, Albanese highlights the resolution's potential to legitimize Israel's unlawful presence in the Palestinian Territory and ongoing violence. She emphasizes that the resolution violates international human rights law, the use of force, and the principles of the UN Charter, particularly Article 1(2) and Article 2(4). Albanese calls for states to interpret and implement the resolution in compliance with international law, urging the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territory.
The expert further criticizes the resolution for failing to protect Palestinian civilians and risking external control over Gaza's governance, borders, security, and reconstruction. She emphasizes the illegality of a military force answering to a 'Board of Peace' chaired by the US President, who is an active party to the conflict. Albanese also cites the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion, urging states to support Palestinian self-determination.
The US has sanctioned Albanese for her work with the International Criminal Court, which issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes. The US mission to the UN accused her of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias, sparking controversy and raising questions about the resolution's fairness and effectiveness in addressing the complex situation in Gaza.
