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Context

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has passed a resolution to endorse a comprehensive plan proposed by the United States for a permanent ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza.

Proposed US plan for Gaza 

Immediate Security: Calls for an immediate ceasefire, freezing battle lines, and a hostage-detainee exchange (Hamas releases all hostages within 72 hours for Israel to release over 1700 Palestinian detainees).

New Governance: Excludes Hamas. An international "Board of Peace," co-led by global figures, will oversee administration and reconstruction until Palestinian governance reforms.

Oversight: A multinational "International Stabilisation Force (ISF)," including Arab states, will maintain peace, secure borders, and train a new Palestinian police force.

Economy: Aims to create a "New Gaza" special economic zone with international aid and preferential trade for reconstruction and job creation.

Rights: Guarantees Palestinians will not be forcibly displaced.

Statehood: Offers a "political horizon" for a Palestinian state, conditional on comprehensive Palestinian Authority (PA) reforms and Israeli security guarantees.

India’s Position 

Firm Support for a Two-State Solution

India advocates for a negotiated two-state solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely alongside Israel.  

Condemnation of Terrorism and Civilian Deaths

India maintains a "zero-tolerance" anti-terrorism policy, condemning the attacks on Israel while stressing deep concern for civilian casualties and demanding adherence to international humanitarian law.

Humanitarian Assistance

India, as a first responder, sent crucial humanitarian aid (food, medical supplies, disaster relief) to Palestine's civilian population. India increased its annual financial assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to $5 million.

Strategic Balancing

India maintains strong, independent relationships with regional powers, balancing strategic partnerships with Israel (defence, tech, agriculture), the US, and key Arab nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia (energy, trade, I2U2) through careful diplomacy. 

Challenges and Implementation Hurdles

Despite UNSC endorsement, the plan faces obstacles that could prevent its successful implementation.

• Palestinian Acceptance: The plan's delay of a sovereign Palestinian state is a major contention point, likely leading to rejection by key factions like the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, hindering implementation.
• Security and Demilitarization: Creating a legitimate and effective security force to govern Gaza without creating a power vacuum is an immense challenge. 
• Financial Commitment: Rebuilding Gaza requires over $50 billion for long-term reconstruction (Source: UNCTAD) depends entirely on the continued political will and stability in the region, which is not guaranteed.
• Sustainability of Political Will: The plan's long-term success requires an unwavering commitment from the US, Israel, and regional Arab states, despite inevitable crises and political shifts.

Way Forward

The current "security-first, economy-led" proposal for the Gaza conflict is insufficient for long-term peace because it avoids the core issue of Palestinian sovereignty. Enduring peace requires the framework to lead to a political settlement that includes Palestinian self-determination.

Source: REUTERS