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The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a pivotal proposal to transform the current UN-backed security mission in Haiti into a robust, full-scale force. This initiative aims to address the escalating gang violence that has plunged the Caribbean nation into chaos. Currently, the Multinational Security Mission (MSS) comprises 1,000 police officers, predominantly from Kenya, who are assisting the overwhelmed Haitian police force. However, the mission, established in 2023, has yielded inconsistent results. Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, recently highlighted the dire situation at a UN diplomatic gathering, describing Haiti as a ‘country at war’ and a ‘human tragedy on America’s doorstep.’ He emphasized the urgent need for international intervention, citing the displacement of over a million people and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. The proposed expansion, spearheaded by the United States and Panama, would increase the force to a maximum of 5,500 personnel, including both police and military units, for an initial one-year period. Kenya’s President William Ruto expressed confidence that with adequate resources and logistics, Haiti’s security could be restored. The plan also includes establishing a UN support office to provide logistical and financial backing. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau underscored the mission’s mandate to proactively target gangs and restore stability. However, the resolution faces potential opposition, with China and Russia expressing skepticism about the mission’s effectiveness without political reforms in Haiti. Both countries abstained from the initial vote, and their positions remain uncertain ahead of Tuesday’s decision. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has been plagued by violent gangs, political instability, and a lack of elections since 2016. The situation deteriorated further in early 2024 when gangs forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign, leaving the country under the leadership of a Transitional Presidential Council.

DOHA, Qatar — In a significant development, several Muslim-majority nations have expressed their support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The plan, which has also garnered backing from key European allies, aims to bring an immediate halt to the devastating war. However, some Palestinian factions and residents of Gaza have dismissed the initiative as a “farce” and a ploy to secure the release of hostages without addressing the root causes of the conflict.

In a significant move to address the prolonged conflict in Gaza, the White House has unveiled a detailed 20-point plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year war, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, and outlining a sustainable future for the Palestinian enclave. The plan, announced on Monday, was presented by President Donald Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed cautious support for the initiative.

The proposal begins with the establishment of Gaza as a deradicalised, terror-free zone, ensuring it no longer poses a threat to neighboring regions. It emphasizes the redevelopment of Gaza to benefit its residents, who have endured immense suffering. A key component of the plan is the immediate cessation of hostilities upon mutual agreement, with Israeli forces withdrawing to pre-defined lines to facilitate the release of hostages. Military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardments, will be suspended during this period.

Within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the agreement, all hostages, both alive and deceased, are to be returned. In exchange, Israel will release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children. Hamas members committed to peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty, and those wishing to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage.

The plan also prioritizes humanitarian aid, ensuring the immediate delivery of essential supplies and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as water, electricity, and hospitals. A temporary transitional governance structure, led by a technocratic Palestinian committee and overseen by an international ‘Board of Peace,’ will manage Gaza’s administration until the Palestinian Authority completes its reform program.

Economic revitalization is a cornerstone of the proposal, with the creation of a special economic zone and the involvement of international experts to attract investment and foster job creation. The plan guarantees that no one will be forced to leave Gaza, while encouraging residents to stay and contribute to rebuilding their homeland.

To ensure long-term security, the United States will collaborate with regional partners to establish an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to train and support Palestinian police forces. The ISF will work alongside Israel and Egypt to secure border areas and prevent the flow of munitions into Gaza. Israel has committed to not occupying or annexing Gaza, with the IDF progressively withdrawing as stability is achieved.

The plan also includes measures to promote interfaith dialogue, foster peaceful coexistence, and create a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The United States will facilitate ongoing dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to ensure a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.