The United Nations Security Council gave the green light on Monday to a U.S. proposal for Gaza, endorsing an international stabilization force to ensure security in the war-torn region and outlining a potential pathway to an independent Palestinian state. In a 13-0 vote, Russia and China abstained, with hopes that Moscow would not veto the resolution.
This decision marks a pivotal move for the delicate ceasefire in Gaza and the efforts to shape its future post the Israel-Hamas conflict. Arab and Muslim nations eager to contribute troops to an international force had stressed the importance of Security Council approval for their involvement.
The U.S.-backed resolution backs President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, advocating for the establishment of a Board of Peace as a transitional authority under Trump’s leadership. It also grants extensive powers to the stabilization force, including border oversight, security provision, and demilitarization of the territory, with authorization for the board and force expiring by the end of 2027.
Hamas rejected the UN Security Council’s approval of the U.S.-drafted resolution, citing inadequacy in addressing Palestinian rights and demands. The group criticized the resolution for imposing international control over Gaza, a move Hamas believes Palestinians do not endorse.
During nearly two weeks of negotiations on the U.S. resolution, Arab nations and Palestinians urged the U.S. to strengthen the language regarding Palestinian self-determination. The U.S. revised the text to suggest that after Palestinian Authority reforms and Gaza’s reconstruction progress, conditions may pave the way for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed opposition to any efforts to establish a Palestinian state, fearing it would empower Hamas and lead to a larger Hamas-controlled state on Israel’s borders. Support from Arab and Muslim nations was crucial for the resolution’s adoption, with several countries including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia endorsing the U.S. proposal.
Russia introduced its own plan last week advocating for a Palestinian state alongside Israel and emphasizing the unity of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority. The proposal omitted references to the transitional board and urged the UN Secretary-General to explore options for an international security force in Gaza, underlining the Security Council’s role.
The U.S. resolution mandates the stabilization force to oversee the demilitarization of Gaza and the permanent disarmament of non-state armed groups. The resolution allows the force to utilize necessary measures in line with international law, signaling the potential use of military force if required. The resolution emphasizes collaboration with neighboring countries, including Egypt and Israel, to secure the flow of humanitarian aid and ensure border security.