The U.S. proposal for Gaza was approved by the United Nations Security Council on Monday, paving the way for an international stabilization force to provide security in the region and setting the stage for a potential independent Palestinian state in the future.
Despite Russia presenting an alternate resolution, they chose to abstain from the 13-0 vote, along with China. The hope was that Russia would not veto the resolution, allowing for its adoption by the Security Council.
This vote marks a significant progression for the delicate ceasefire and the planning for Gaza’s future post the Israel-Hamas conflict. Countries, particularly Arab and Muslim nations willing to contribute troops to the international force, considered Security Council endorsement crucial for their involvement.
The U.S. resolution backs President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, proposing the establishment of a Board of Peace as an interim authority led by Trump. It empowers the stabilization force to oversee borders, provide security, and demilitarize the territory, with authorization set to expire by the end of 2027.
Hamas rejected the resolution, stating it does not align with Palestinian rights and imposes an international trusteeship on Gaza, which Hamas believes the Palestinian people do not support.
Negotiations on the U.S. resolution saw Arab nations and Palestinians urging for stronger language on Palestinian self-determination. The revised resolution now suggests that after reforms by the Palestinian Authority and reconstruction in Gaza progress, there could be a viable pathway to Palestinian statehood.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, fearing it would benefit Hamas and lead to a larger Hamas-controlled state near Israel.
Arab and Muslim nations supporting a ceasefire and contemplating contributions to the international force played a pivotal role in the resolution’s approval.
Russia introduced its own proposal emphasizing a Palestinian state alongside Israel and the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority, diverging from the U.S. plan.
The U.S. resolution mandates the stabilization force to facilitate the demilitarization of Gaza and disarm non-state armed groups, raising questions about disarming Hamas, which has not fully agreed to this provision.
It authorizes the force to use necessary measures in compliance with international law and outlines their role in securing borders, coordinating with Palestinian police, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid while cooperating with neighboring countries.
The resolution envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza based on demilitarization milestones, to be agreed upon by the stabilization force, Israeli forces, the U.S., and ceasefire guarantors.