Dozens of United Nations (UN) experts raised concerns yesterday regarding certain aspects of the peace proposal for Gaza introduced by US President Donald Trump, citing potential violations of international law and the exacerbation of Palestinian oppression.
In a joint statement, 35 independent UN experts cautioned against rushing into a peace agreement that disregards legal principles and justice, warning that such an approach could lead to increased injustices, future conflicts, and instability. The experts highlighted various problematic elements within the 20-point plan recently presented by President Trump and endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While acknowledging positive aspects such as the call for a lasting ceasefire, the swift release of unlawfully detained individuals, and increased humanitarian assistance, the experts expressed strong reservations about several components that they deemed incompatible with established international legal standards.
Among their criticisms, the experts lauded the emphasis on preventing forced displacements, opposing territorial annexations, and advocating for the withdrawal of Israeli military presence from Gaza. However, they criticized elements like the proposed establishment of a transitional “Board of Peace” chaired by President Trump, viewing it as a troubling throwback to colonial practices that must be rejected.
Furthermore, the experts raised objections to the suggestion of an “International Stabilisation Force” that could potentially perpetuate foreign occupation in place of Israeli control, undermining Palestinian self-determination. They also denounced the plan’s provision for an enduring partial Israeli occupation through a security perimeter within Gaza, labeling it as entirely unacceptable.
Additionally, the experts expressed concerns over the selective focus on de-radicalization efforts in Gaza while overlooking similar issues within Israeli discourse. They pointed out potential flaws in the amnesty proposed for Hamas without ensuring justice for victims of international crimes, while also criticizing the absence of accountability measures for Israeli violations in the plan.
In conclusion, the experts stressed the importance of respecting Palestinian self-determination and accountability in any peace initiative, emphasizing that the future of Palestine should be determined by its people rather than imposed by external actors under coercive circumstances.