The United Nations Security Council granted approval on Monday to a U.S.-sponsored initiative for Gaza, endorsing the deployment of an international stabilization force to ensure security in the region and outlining a potential pathway to an autonomous Palestinian state. Following a 13-0 vote, Russia and China abstained, with hopes from other nations that Russia would not exercise its veto power to block the resolution.
This decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fragile ceasefire and the efforts to shape Gaza’s future post the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. Countries, including Arab and Muslim nations, interested in contributing troops to the international force had emphasized the importance of Security Council authorization for their involvement.
The U.S. resolution supports President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, which includes the establishment of a transitional Board of Peace headed by Trump, along with granting the stabilization force a broad mandate encompassing border oversight, security provision, and demilitarization of the territory. Both the Board and the force are authorized until the end of 2027.
In response, Hamas expressed disapproval of the U.S.-backed resolution, stating that it does not address the rights and demands of Palestinians. Hamas objected to the resolution’s imposition of an international trusteeship on Gaza, a move the group believes is contrary to the wishes of Palestinians.
During the extensive negotiations on the U.S. resolution, Arab nations and Palestinians urged the United States to strengthen the language regarding Palestinian self-determination. The revised resolution now acknowledges that after reforms by the Palestinian Authority and the reconstruction of Gaza, conditions may be conducive for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed any initiative leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state, voicing concerns that it could empower Hamas and potentially result in a larger Hamas-governed state near Israel’s borders.
The adoption of the resolution was facilitated by support from Arab and Muslim nations advocating for a ceasefire and potentially contributing to the international force. Meanwhile, amidst the ceasefire hopes, Russia introduced its own proposal emphasizing the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel and the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority.