JERUSALEM, 16 November (H.S.): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in the Middle East on Saturday, as their respective nations champion competing resolutions at the United Nations Security Council concerning a post-conflict plan for Gaza. The phone call, initiated by Putin, covered recent developments in Gaza following a ceasefire, Iran's nuclear program, and the stabilization of Syria.

The discussion occurred amid a diplomatic standoff at the UN, where the United States is pushing for a resolution to endorse a peace plan proposed by former President Donald Trump. The US-backed draft proposes the creation of an international stabilization force largely independent of the UN, a transitional Board of Peace to govern Gaza, and allows for an ongoing Israeli security presence around the perimeter of the territory.

In direct opposition, Russia has introduced a counter-proposal that calls for an international force to be placed under direct UN authority. The Russian resolution opposes any demographic or territorial changes in Gaza and emphasizes the implementation of a two-state solution, while omitting any mention of the Board of Peace featured in the American plan.

The American proposal, which has the support of several regional partners, including Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE, is being presented as a critical step towards securing a fragile ceasefire and creating a pathway to Palestinian self-determination.

However, Russia's counter-draft highlights a deep division within the Security Council on the approach to achieving a sustainable peace in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar