The United Nations Security Council on Monday passed a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and authorizing an international stabilization force for the Palestinian enclave.
The resolution comes after Israel and Hamas agreed last month to the first phase of Trump’s 20-point plan, which included a ceasefire in their two-year conflict and a hostage-release agreement. The UN resolution is seen as key to legitimizing a transitional governance body in Gaza and reassuring nations considering sending peacekeeping troops.
The resolution allows member states to participate in the Trump-chaired Board of Peace, envisioned as a transitional authority to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery. It also authorizes an international stabilization force tasked with demilitarizing Gaza, including decommissioning weapons and dismantling military infrastructure.
Hamas immediately rejected the resolution, reiterating its refusal to disarm and defending its armed struggle as legitimate resistance. “The resolution imposes an international guardianship mechanism on the Gaza Strip, which our people and their factions reject,” the group said. The statement also criticized the international force for compromising its neutrality by taking on enforcement roles inside Gaza.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz described the resolution as a pathway to “Palestinian self-determination … where rockets will give way to olive branches.” He added that it would “dismantle Hamas’ grip” and help ensure a prosperous and secure Gaza.
While Russia and China abstained from the vote, both criticized the resolution for not providing the UN a clear role in Gaza’s future. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said, “The council is giving its blessing to a U.S. initiative on the basis of Washington’s promises, giving complete control over the Gaza Strip to the Board of Peace and the international stabilization force, the modalities of which we know nothing about so far.”
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution, expressing readiness to participate in its implementation. Diplomats said the PA’s prior endorsement was crucial in preventing a Russian veto.
President Trump celebrated the resolution on social media, calling it “a moment of true historic proportion” and promising announcements on the Board’s membership and other developments in the coming weeks.
The resolution references a potential pathway to Palestinian statehood, contingent on reforms by the Palestinian Authority and Gaza’s redevelopment. It also calls for dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to establish a political horizon for peaceful coexistence.
Israel, however, remains wary. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed opposition to a Palestinian state and pledged to demilitarize Gaza “the easy way or the hard way,” reflecting pressure from right-wing factions in his government.
