UN Security Council Approves US-Backed Gaza Plan

UNITED NATIONS (MNN): The United Nations Security Council on Monday approved a U.S.-sponsored plan for Gaza, authorizing the deployment of an international stabilization force and outlining a potential path toward eventual Palestinian statehood. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. Despite circulating a rival draft, Moscow chose not to use its veto.

This development is seen as a critical step for sustaining the fragile ceasefire and shaping Gaza’s future after two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Several Arab and Muslim nations, which had expressed readiness to contribute troops, previously indicated that formal UN authorization was a prerequisite for their involvement.

The resolution endorses President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire framework, centered on creating a transitional Board of Peace—led by Trump—to oversee governance until 2027. It grants the stabilization force a broad mandate, from border security and demilitarization to maintaining overall peace in the territory.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz described the resolution as “historic and constructive,” saying it lays the foundation for a stable and secure Gaza. However, Arab states and Palestinian representatives had pushed for stronger language on Palestinian self-determination. The revised text states that, following reconstruction progress and reforms within the Palestinian Authority, “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway” to Palestinian statehood—without offering a timetable or guarantee.

The move has angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who remains firmly opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state, arguing it would reward Hamas and endanger Israel’s security.

The resolution’s adoption was aided by strong backing from Arab and Muslim countries including Qatar, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey, which jointly urged swift approval.

The vote comes as hopes persist for maintaining the Gaza ceasefire. The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people, followed by Israel’s prolonged military campaign that has killed over 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities—most reportedly women and children.

Russia’s alternative resolution, which emphasized a fully sovereign Palestinian state combining the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority, failed to gain traction.

The newly approved U.S. plan authorizes the stabilization force to use all necessary measures—UN language for military action—and tasks it with disarmament of non-state armed groups. It details coordination with Egypt, Israel, and trained Palestinian police to secure borders and ensure humanitarian aid flow.

As stability improves, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from Gaza according to standards and timelines tied to demilitarization, agreed upon by the stabilization force, Israel, the U.S., and ceasefire guarantors.