Israel’s Actions Questioned at Security Council Meeting

A day before the inaugural meeting of President Trump’s Board of Peace, diplomats at the U.N. Security Council pressed concerns about continued Israeli attacks in Gaza, the flow of aid into the territory and increasing military raids and expansion plans in the occupied West Bank.

Michael Waltz defended the board’s unconventional structure, saying “the old ways were not working,” and reminding the council it had voted in November to adopt Mr. Trump’s 20-point plan. The plan calls for the demilitarization of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and an international stabilization force that would secure the enclave and lead to an eventual full withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Mr. Waltz said the board planned to pledge $5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction, while U.N. estimates put rebuilding costs at more than $50 billion. Rosemary DiCarlo warned that peace on the ground remained elusive and urged full implementation of the U.S.-led plan alongside urgent action to de-escalate the occupied West Bank.

Israel, Gaza, West Bank

israel, gaza, west bank, security council, peace board, michael waltz, rosemary dicarlo, hamas, demilitarization, disarmament