The plan put forth by the United States for Gaza was approved by the United Nations Security Council on Monday. The plan includes the deployment of an international stabilization force to ensure security in the devastated area and envisions a potential path towards an independent Palestinian state. Russia and China abstained from the 13-0 vote, with hopes that Russia would not use its veto power to block the resolution.
This vote marks a significant advancement in maintaining the fragile ceasefire and establishing a roadmap for Gaza’s future post the Israeli-Hamas conflict. The resolution, based on President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, introduces a Board of Peace as a transitional authority to be led by Trump. It also sanctions the stabilization force with broad responsibilities such as border oversight, security provision, and demilitarization within Gaza, with the authorization set to expire by the end of 2027.
Hamas has expressed disapproval of the resolution, claiming that it does not align with the rights and demands of Palestinians. The group argues that the resolution imposes an international trusteeship on Gaza, a concept not supported by the Palestinian people.
Discussions around the resolution involved Arab nations and Palestinians urging the U.S. to enhance the language concerning Palestinian self-determination. The revised resolution acknowledges the potential for a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood post reforms by the Palestinian Authority and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, fearing it would empower Hamas and lead to further conflict along Israel’s borders. The resolution’s adoption was facilitated by support from Arab and Muslim nations endorsing a ceasefire and potential participation in the international force.
Russia presented its own proposal supporting a Palestinian state alongside Israel and emphasizing the unity of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority. The proposal excluded references to the transitional board and called for the UN Secretary-General to explore options for an international force to ensure Gaza’s security.
The U.S. resolution mandates the stabilization force to oversee the demilitarization of Gaza and disarm non-state armed groups. It grants the force the authority to use necessary measures in line with international law and emphasizes cooperation with neighboring countries for humanitarian aid and security.
As the international force takes control and stabilizes the region, the resolution outlines the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza based on demilitarization milestones agreed upon by all involved parties.