UN Security Council Backs Gaza Stabilization Plan

The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution supporting President ’s peace initiative for Gaza, with 13 members voting in favor and no vetoes. Russia and China chose to abstain, allowing the resolution to pass without obstruction.

The resolution aligns with the first phase of Trump’s , which includes a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and now authorizes the deployment of an (ISF). The ISF will work alongside Israel and Egypt to ensure the demilitarization of Gaza, including the decommissioning of weapons and the destruction of military infrastructure.

The resolution also supports the creation of a transitional governing body known as the “,” led by Trump and expected to oversee the reconstruction and economic recovery of the Gaza Strip. This entity will report to the UN Security Council every six months. The mandate of the ISF is set to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal by the council if necessary.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, hailed the resolution as a pivotal step toward stability in the region. “Today’s resolution represents another significant step that will enable Gaza to prosper and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security,” he stated. Waltz emphasized that the resolution was just the beginning of a broader effort to stabilize the region.

While the resolution does not explicitly outline a timeline for a Palestinian state, it references the potential for a "credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood" once the Palestinian Authority completes its reform agenda and significant progress in Gaza’s redevelopment has been achieved. This wording has drawn criticism from Israel, which remains firmly opposed to the idea of a Palestinian state.

Hamas also expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution, stating that it fails to address the political and humanitarian demands of the Palestinian people. The group rejected what it described as an attempt to impose international oversight over the Gaza Strip, calling the resolution a mechanism to advance .

Despite the criticisms, the resolution has garnered support from several , including Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Qatar. These countries have pledged to contribute troops to the ISF, which will operate in coordination with Egypt and Israel to ensure the security of the region during the transition period.

The resolution marks a significant diplomatic achievement for the U.S., as it secures the UN’s endorsement of a plan that is seen as critical to maintaining the fragile truce and encouraging international participation in Gaza’s stabilization. It also signals a rare moment of consensus on the council, with major global powers like Russia and China choosing not to block the proposal.

The approval of the resolution provides a foundation for further international cooperation and underscores the importance of multilateral engagement in efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict in the region.