The United Nations Security Council on Monday approved a US-drafted resolution that lays out a post-war framework for Gaza, authorises the deployment of an international stabilisation force, and sketches
a conditional pathway toward an eventual Palestinian state.
The measure passed with 13 votes in favour, while Russia and China abstained, allowing the proposal to clear the council without a veto.
However, shortly after the vote, Hamas rejected the adopted resolution, arguing it fails to meet Palestinian rights and amounts to imposing an unwanted international trusteeship over Gaza.
The group said assigning disarmament duties to the international force “strips it of neutrality” and effectively positions it as “a party to the conflict in favour of the occupation.”
At the heart of the resolution is US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, which centres on establishing a transitional Board of Peace, to be headed by Trump, and deploying a multinational force with a broad mandate inside Gaza.
Both the board and the force would operate under the United Nations’ authorisation until the end of 2027.
The stabilisation force is empowered to oversee Gaza’s borders, support security, coordinate humanitarian access and lead the demilitarisation of the territory, including the permanent decommissioning of weapons held by non-state armed groups.
It is also authorised to use “all necessary measures” to carry out its duties, signalling that military force is permitted under international law.
The troops are expected to work closely with a vetted and trained Palestinian police contingent, as well as with Egypt and Israel, to secure border areas and facilitate aid flows.
Under the resolution, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza in stages, based on benchmarks, timelines and demilitarisation milestones agreed upon by Israel, the stabilisation force, the United States and the guarantors of the ceasefire.
The plan also commits the US to launch a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to outline a political future for “peaceful and prosperous coexistence.”
The Security Council acted as international actors attempted to maintain a fragile ceasefire after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people, and Israel’s more than two-year offensive that has left over 69,000 Palestinians dead, the Associated Press quoted Gaza health officials as saying.
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