U.N. ambassadors vote on a U.S.-led resolution that authorizes an international stabilization force for Gaza [Image by AFP]
(The Post News) – The U.N. Security Council on Monday approved a U.S.-drafted resolution. It endorsed President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. It authorized an international stabilization force to be deployed to the devastated enclave. The vote gave the Trump administration a decisive diplomatic victory. It also advanced the rebuilding of Gaza two years after the war began.
Thirteen council members voted in favour. China and Russia abstained after pushing for stronger language on Palestinian statehood. Their abstentions allowed the resolution to pass and signalled rare alignment among global powers on Gaza’s future.
A Force to Secure and Rebuild Gaza
The resolution would authorize an International Stabilization Force with a sweeping mandate. Its goals are to secure Gaza’s borders and dismantle militant infrastructure. It also aims to open humanitarian corridors and support reconstruction. It also endorses Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan. The resolution establishes the Board of Peace. Trump says he will chair this transitional governing body. The board and the force are to operate through the end of 2027.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz hailed the vote as “historic and constructive.” He said it charted a new course for a stable, demilitarized, and economically viable Gaza.
Before voting, several key Arab and Muslim countries supported the resolution. These countries include Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey. Their support proved crucial since many have mentioned sending troops. Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey have signalled interest. Israel has opposed troop contributions from Turkey and Pakistan.
The Palestinian Authority supported the proposal after the U.S. inserted language linking Palestinian statehood with PA reforms and progress in Gaza’s reconstruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the resolution’s references to Palestinian statehood. He stated that Israel remains firmly opposed to a Palestinian state. Israel also insists on the complete demilitarization of Hamas.
Hamas rejected the resolution outright. The group called the plan an “international guardianship mechanism.” They vowed not to surrender their weapons. This raised concerns about future clashes as the stabilization force deploys.
Russia and China abstained. They argued that the United States had left major questions unanswered. These questions particularly concerned the authority of the Board of Peace and the U.N.’s role. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya called the resolution “a pig in a poke,” accusing Washington of rushing the process.
Challenges Ahead for the Stabilization Mission
Gaza remains unstable, with periodic Israeli operations, while violence is ongoing in the West Bank. The resolution requires the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli forces. This occurs when the stabilization force establishes control. It also necessitates the fulfillment of demilitarization milestones.
Arab contributors remain cautious. They avoid engaging Hamas fighters directly due to possible backlash from domestic audiences. If their troops become embroiled in internal Palestinian conflict, it could lead to significant issues.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the decision and called for swift implementation. The resolution allows the World Bank to open a trust fund for Gaza’s reconstruction. It also establishes a technocratic committee of Palestinian experts. They would manage day-to-day governance.
President Trump called the vote “one of the biggest approvals in the history of the United Nations.” He said the Board of Peace will consist of the most powerful and respected leaders throughout the world. Their names will be announced very shortly. Though Monday’s vote marked a breakthrough after years of deadlock, the path forward is not clear. Stability and any eventual Palestinian state remain uncertain.
For now, however, the rare consensus by the council presents a new political opening in a region hungry for one.
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