Key Summary

The UN Security Council reviewed the implementation of the US-led comprehensive plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Nikolai Mladenov, the High Representative of the Gaza Strip, reported that the ceasefire that began in October last year is being maintained despite challenges and that full-scale negotiations to disarm the armed forces are underway.

Phase 1 of ceasefire completed, transitional administration launched

According to High Representative Mladenov, most of the first phase of the 20-point plan presented by the United States has been completed. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues despite many difficulties.

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) has been formed and is currently screening thousands of civilian police candidates. Representative Mladenov explained, "The National Committee only exercises authority as a temporary body. The ultimate goal is a reformed Palestinian Authority that can govern the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and ultimately the path to Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a state."

Negotiations on formation of international stabilization force and disarmament

Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have pledged to send troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF). A comprehensive framework for the demobilization of armed groups and their reintegration into society was developed together with guarantors including the United States, Egypt, Turkiye, and Qatar and was formally presented to the relevant parties.

The core principle of this system is reciprocity. “Disarmament is carried out in parallel with a phased withdrawal. This is fundamental to the credibility of the entire process,” Representative Mladenov said, emphasizing that “disarmament is not just a requirement, but the only path to reconstruction, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the establishment of Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

Israeli settlement expansion continues

Meanwhile, according to a report released by Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Israel's settlement activities remain at a high level. In the period ending March 13, Israeli authorities approved or promoted the construction of more than 6,000 homes in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Demolition of Palestinian-owned buildings also accelerated. During the same period, 32 Palestinians, including seven children, were killed in Israeli security forces operations, armed clashes, and attacks on settlers in the West Bank. The number of injured reached 833, including 138 children, of whom 141 were injured by live ammunition and 322 by Israeli settlers.

When did this trend start?

The conflict in the Gaza Strip intensified into a large-scale military conflict triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023. Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip lasted for about two years and caused enormous casualties and a humanitarian crisis.

In 2024, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, approving the US-led comprehensive plan, establishing the 'Peace Council', a transitional administrative body, and deploying the International Stabilization Force. Afterwards, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire came into effect in October 2024, marking the first step toward ending the conflict.

Future outlook [AI analysis]

It is highly likely that the stable reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will greatly depend on the outcome of negotiations for the disengagement of armed groups, including Hamas. As Representative Mladenov emphasized, there is no credible path to Palestinian self-determination and statehood as long as the Gaza Strip remains under militant control.

At the same time, Israel's continued expansion of settlements may serve as a factor in escalating tensions in the West Bank. In order to successfully implement the comprehensive plan, it appears that Israel's cessation of settlement activities and the disarming of armed forces must be interconnected.

In the case of Korea, stabilizing the situation in the Middle East is directly related to energy security. Prolongation or recurrence of the Gaza conflict could increase the volatility of international oil prices and have an impact on Korean companies operating in the Middle East, so continued attention is needed.