The United Nations Security Council passed a US-proposed plan for Gaza with 13 votes in favor, 0 against, and 2 abstentions, authorizing the establishment of an international stabilization force to enter the Gaza Strip to help maintain security and support reconstruction. Russia and China, who abstained, did not exercise their veto powers.
The resolution also outlines a “possible future pathway” toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Once the Palestinian Authority completes reforms and Gaza’s reconstruction progresses, “conditions may be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state and emphasized that Israel will demilitarize Gaza “the easy way or the hard way.”
Hamas rejected the resolution, arguing that it fails to protect the rights of the Palestinian people and accuses it of attempting to place Gaza under international trusteeship. The group stressed that authorizing international forces to carry out disarmament operations in Gaza would strip the forces of neutrality and align them with Israel.
The US-backed resolution also builds on President Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, including the establishment of a “Peace Commission” chaired by Trump as a transitional governance framework. The international stabilization force’s responsibilities cover border management, security maintenance, and promoting Gaza’s demilitarization, with authorization valid until the end of 2027.
The stance of Arab and Muslim countries was seen as key to the resolution’s passage. Before the vote, Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Pakistan jointly called for “swift adoption” of the plan. Several countries also stated that Security Council authorization is a prerequisite for contributing troops to the international force.