The UN Security Council on Monday approved a U.S.-drafted resolution backing President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, authorizing the creation of a transitional governance authority and an international stabilization force for the enclave.
The vote marks a significant diplomatic win for Washington, giving international legitimacy to the first phase of Trump’s 20-point framework, which secured a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas last month. The resolution is expected to reassure countries weighing participation in the stabilization effort.
Transitional Authority and Stabilization Force Approved
According to the text, UN member states may join the Trump-chaired “Board of Peace,” envisioned as a temporary authority overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery. The resolution also authorizes an international stabilization force tasked with demilitarizing Gaza by dismantling weapons and military infrastructure.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the plan “charts a possible pathway for Palestinian self-determination,” arguing it aims to “dismantle Hamas’ grip” and lay the groundwork for a secure and prosperous Gaza.
Hamas Rejects Disarmament
Hamas swiftly rejected the resolution, reiterating that it will not disarm and denouncing the plan as an attempt to impose “international guardianship” over Gaza. The militant group maintains that its armed campaign against Israel constitutes legitimate resistance, a stance that could put it at odds with the newly authorized stabilization force.
Russia and China Abstain
Russia and China abstained from the vote after criticizing the proposal for sidelining the UN’s role in Gaza’s future. Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzya argued the council was effectively validating a U.S. initiative “on the basis of Washington’s promises,” without clarity on how the new governing mechanisms will operate.
Their abstentions, however, enabled the resolution to pass.
Palestinian Authority Welcomes Vote
The Palestinian Authority endorsed the resolution, calling itself ready to participate in its implementation. Diplomats said its support last week was crucial in heading off a potential Russian veto.
In a celebratory social-media post, Trump hailed the vote as “a moment of true Historic proportion,” promising further announcements on the Board of Peace in the coming weeks.
Statehood Reference Sparks Israeli Debate
The resolution has stirred political tensions within Israel by referencing a future path to Palestinian statehood. The text says that once reforms are completed and reconstruction progresses, conditions “may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that Israel remains opposed to a Palestinian state and vowed to demilitarize Gaza “the easy way or the hard way,” reflecting pressure from right-wing members of his governing coalition.
As the UN-backed process moves ahead, the focus now shifts to how the transitional authority, international force, and diplomatic framework will take shape — and how Hamas, Israel, and regional powers will respond.
