World Bank Supports Draft UNSC Resolution on Gaza, UAE Unlikely to Join ISF
The World Bank said it backs the language of the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution drafted by the US on Gaza governance.
The draft resolution focuses on the establishment of a transitional governing body that will run the Gaza Strip under Trump’s 20-point peace plan and an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for deployment for at least two years.
World Bank Response
In a letter to the US, seen by Reuters, the World Bank voiced support for the language of the draft UNSC resolution that authorizes a two-year mandate for a transitional administration in Gaza known as the “Board of Peace.”
“Our engagement in Gaza will require the ability to work with international partners who enjoy the full support of the international community and full authorization to undertake their efforts,” the World Bank President, Ajay Banga, told US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz.
“The proposal to establish an authority, in the current draft the Board of Peace, by the UN Security Council with the authorizations set out in the resolution would provide the needed framework for engagement by the Bank,” he added.
Gaza’s Board of Peace
Under Trump’s peace plan, a transitional administration, called the “Board of Peace,” will run the enclave for at least two years. The body will have international legal authority, and will oversee funding coordination and establish the blueprint for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The Board of Peace will also be responsible for establishing “operational entities” to supervise the transitional government in Gaza. Its task will end when the Palestinian Authority (PA) completes a reform program outlined in Trump’s plan.
“The implementation of a transitional governance administration, including the supervising and supporting of a Palestinian technocratic, apolitical committee of competent Palestinians from the strip, as championed by the Arab League, which shall be responsible for day-to-day operations of Gaza’s civil service and administration,” the resolution said.
World Bank Role
In February 2025, the World Bank, the UN and the European Union (EU) estimated the cost of rebuilding Gaza at $50 billion, and working on a new interim estimate of $70 billion.
According to the draft resolution, the transitional government in Gaza and its operational entities will operate under the oversight of the Board of Peace and will receive funding from voluntary donor contributions.
Furthermore, the resolution calls on the World Bank and other financial institutions to “facilitate and provide financial resources to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza as it would provide to its members, including the establishment of a dedicated trust fund for this purpose and governed by donors.”
On Wednesday, Waltz shared the draft resolution with the UNSC members as well as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the UAE, saying that it had regional support.
The UN Security Council’s members began negotiations on the draft resolution on Thursday. The resolution needs at least 9 votes in favor and no vetoes to be adopted.
Gaza International Force
The draft resolution also calls for the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) with a mandate to operate in Gaza for at least two years. It authorizes the ISF to “use all necessary measures to carry out its mandate consistent with international law, including international humanitarian law.”
The US said that many countries have shown interest in joining the ISF, including Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Azerbaijan and Pakistan, but they asked for a UN mandate for the force.
However, the UAE suggested it does not have plans to join the ISF in Gaza, reported AFP. “The UAE does not yet see a clear framework for the stability force, and under such circumstances will probably not participate in such a force,” the Emirati presidential advisor, Anwar Gargash, said during the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate forum on Monday.
Meanwhile, Israel has reiterated its rejection of Turkish troops in the Gaza force. On Sunday, an Israeli government spokesperson said that Israel opposes the deployment of Turkish troops in Gaza. “There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,” he told reporters, according to Reuters.
His remarks echoed similar ones by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyah, and Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, who opposed the involvement of Türkiye in Gaza ISF due to what they perceived as “hostile” position toward Israel.
Earlier, Jordan’s King Abdullah II ruled out sending troops to Gaza because Amman was “too close politically” to the situation.
