UN Security Council Criticizes Israel’s West Bank Plans Ahead of Trump’s Board of Peace Meeting

Post by : Saif Nasser

Members of the United Nations Security Council strongly criticized Israel’s recent actions in the West Bank during a high-level meeting in New York. The discussion took place just one day before U.S. President Donald Trump was set to host the first meeting of his new “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at shaping the future of the Palestinian territories.

Several council members warned that Israel’s efforts to expand control in the West Bank threaten the chances of a two-state solution. A two-state solution refers to the idea of creating an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, allowing both peoples to live side by side in peace.

Pakistan, the only Security Council member that has also agreed to join Trump’s Board of Peace, strongly condemned Israel’s settlement activities. Pakistan’s foreign minister described the expansion as a violation of international law and called it “null and void.”

The Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations also spoke firmly against Israel’s actions. He said that annexation of land breaks international law and damages ongoing peace efforts. Many Arab and Islamic nations supported this view and called for Israel to reverse its decisions.

Israel’s foreign minister rejected the criticism. He accused the Security Council of being unfairly focused on Israel and said the country has a historic and legal right to the land. He added that global attention should be on the upcoming Board of Peace meeting in Washington.

The Board of Peace, led by President Trump, was first planned as a group of leaders to oversee a 20-point plan for Gaza. However, it now appears to have broader goals, including helping resolve conflicts in other parts of the world. Some countries have expressed concern that the new board might compete with the United Nations’ role in maintaining peace.

While more than 20 countries have accepted invitations to join the Board of Peace, some close U.S. allies, including France and Germany, have not signed on. Instead, they continue to show strong support for the United Nations and its long-standing peace efforts.

During the Security Council meeting, members also discussed the current ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire, which began in October, has led to the release of hostages held by Hamas and allowed more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. However, the United Nations says the level of aid is still not enough to meet people’s needs.

Speakers from both Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups addressed the council. They stressed that peace can only be achieved through cooperation and mutual recognition. They said both Israelis and Palestinians deserve safety, dignity, and a homeland.

The coming months are expected to be critical. Key steps in the peace process include disarming militant groups, rebuilding Gaza, and possibly deploying an international security force. President Trump has said that Board of Peace members have pledged $5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction, though details remain limited.

United Nations officials described this period as a “pivotal moment” for the Middle East. They warned that opportunities for peace do not last forever and depend on wise decisions from leaders on all sides.

As global attention turns to Washington for the Board of Peace meeting, many hope that diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for international law will guide future actions. The path forward remains difficult, but lasting peace will require commitment from the international community and from both Israelis and Palestinians.