Palestinian Foreign Minister: UN DK Resolution The First Step To Long Travel Towards Peace

JAKARTA - Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said on Tuesday the adoption of a United Nations Security Council resolution in support of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza was an important first step in a long journey to peace.

The Security Council on Monday adopted the resolution of the US draft, which also allows the deployment of multinational security forces to Gaza and imposes an international guarding mechanism for the devastated region of war for two years.

A total of 13 council members voted in favor. Meanwhile, Russia and China voted for abstain and there was no veto in the vote held at the UN headquarters of New York, USA.

"The UN resolution is the first step in a long journey to peace. That step is necessary because we cannot start anything before we reach a ceasefire," Foreign Minister Shahin told reporters during a visit to Manila, Philippines.

Foreign Minister Shahin further said there are still other issues that need to be discussed, including the right of Palestine to determine the destiny and independence of Palestine in the end, reminding that the process of implementing President Trump's plans must be regulated by international law.

He said that although President Trump's plans signaled the possibility of establishing a Palestinian State and only after the Palestinian Authority reformed, the issue could be discussed later.

"As long as these elements exist, we are happy with this first step," said Foreign Minister Shahin.

The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority previously welcomed the vote and said it was ready to participate in President Trump's plans, although it did not outline a clear role for them and was vague about the nation formation.

European and Arab countries have stated that Gaza must be ruled by the Palestinian Authority and there must be a clear path to Palestinian independence.

Meanwhile, Israel, which opposes the idea of an independent Palestinian state, rejects any involvement by the Palestinian Authority.

It is known that Hamas and Israel have agreed on the first phase of President Trump's ceasefire plan and took effect on October 10.