The UN Security Council on Monday approved a U.S.-drafted resolution backing President Donald Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza, authorizing an international stabilization force for the Palestinian territory.
The resolution follows last month’s agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of Trump’s 20-point plan, which included a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. It aims to legitimize a transitional governance body—the Trump-chaired Board of Peace—to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery. The resolution also authorizes the international stabilization force to demilitarize Gaza by decommissioning weapons and dismantling military infrastructure.
Hamas condemned the resolution, reiterating that it will not disarm and defending its fight against Israel as “legitimate resistance,” potentially setting the stage for confrontation with the international force. “The resolution imposes an international guardianship mechanism on the Gaza Strip, which our people and their factions reject,” the group said.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz described the resolution as a pathway for Palestinian self-determination, stating it would “dismantle Hamas’ grip” and ensure Gaza rises “prosperous and secure.”
Russia and China abstained from the vote, criticizing the resolution for granting the U.S.-led initiative control over Gaza without clearly defining the UN’s role. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said the council was effectively endorsing Washington’s plan without clarity on its implementation.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution and signaled its readiness to participate in its implementation, a move that was crucial in preventing a Russian veto. Trump called the vote “a moment of true historic proportion,” promising announcements regarding Board members in the coming weeks.
The resolution has stirred controversy in Israel as it references a potential future pathway to Palestinian statehood once reforms and redevelopment are completed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from right-wing lawmakers, reiterated opposition to a Palestinian state, insisting Gaza must be demilitarized “the easy way or the hard way.”
