The United Nations Security Council has greenlit a U.S.-backed initiative for Gaza, granting approval for an international stabilization force to ensure security in the region while outlining a potential path towards an independent Palestinian state. Russia, which had put forth a competing resolution, chose to abstain from voting along with China, avoiding a potential veto that could have blocked the resolution’s adoption.
This vote marks a pivotal moment for the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and the ongoing efforts to map out the territory’s future post the Israel-Hamas conflict. Various Arab and Muslim nations had indicated their willingness to contribute troops to the international force contingent on Security Council authorization.
The approved U.S. resolution backs President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, which includes the establishment of a Board of Peace as a transitional authority headed by Trump. It also grants the stabilization force a broad mandate encompassing border oversight, security provision, and demilitarization within Gaza. The authorization for both the board and force is set to expire by the end of 2027.
In response, Hamas has rejected the U.S.-led resolution, citing its failure to address Palestinian rights and demands. The group criticized the resolution for imposing an international trusteeship on Gaza, a move deemed contrary to Palestinian interests.
During extensive negotiations on the resolution, Arab nations and Palestinians pushed for stronger language regarding Palestinian self-determination, leading to revisions emphasizing the potential for a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood following Gaza’s reconstruction and reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed opposition to any potential establishment of a Palestinian state, citing concerns that such a move would empower Hamas and potentially lead to a larger Hamas-controlled state near Israel’s borders.
The resolution’s adoption was bolstered by support from Arab and Muslim nations advocating for a ceasefire and potential contributions to the international force. Meanwhile, Russia introduced its own proposal emphasizing support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel and the importance of a Security Council role in implementing the ceasefire plan.
The U.S. resolution mandates the stabilization force to oversee the demilitarization of Gaza and the disarming of non-state armed groups, raising questions about how to handle Hamas’ compliance with these measures. The force is authorized to use necessary means to fulfill its mandate in line with international law, indicating the potential use of military force if required.
Additionally, the resolution tasks the stabilization troops with securing border areas and collaborating with a vetted Palestinian police force while coordinating with neighboring Egypt and Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid flow. As stability is established, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from Gaza under agreed-upon terms linked to demilitarization milestones set by the stabilization force, Israeli forces, the U.S., and ceasefire guarantors.