- Hamas, argued that it undermines Palestinian rights and effectively places Gaza under foreign control
- António Guterres said the vote marked a significant step toward consolidating the existing ceasefire
- Trump hailed the vote as historic, saying it reflects global endorsement of the BoP structure
Tensions around the future of Gaza entered a new phase after the UN Security Council adopted a US-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s 20-point stabilisation blueprint for the region.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the proposal, which includes the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF), secured 13 votes in favour, while Russia and China abstained.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the vote marked a significant step toward consolidating the existing ceasefire.
Hamas, however, dismissed the resolution, arguing that it undermines Palestinian rights and effectively places Gaza under foreign control. The group criticised plans for the ISF to manage security and disarm non-state armed groups, insisting that such an arrangement compromises neutrality.
The framework mandates cooperation between the ISF, Israel, Egypt, and a newly vetted Palestinian police force to strengthen border security and oversee the demilitarisation of militant factions. Until now, policing in Gaza has operated under Hamas’ authority.
According to US ambassador Mike Waltz, the international force will be responsible for stabilisation efforts, clearing weapons, dismantling militant infrastructure and ensuring civilian safety.
The Council also approved the creation of a transitional governance bod,y the Board of Peace (BoP) to supervise a non-political Palestinian committee, coordinate reconstruction and manage humanitarian distribution. Funding will be provided through a World Bank-backed trust fund.
Trump hailed the vote as historic, saying it reflects global endorsement of the BoP structure. The resolution also references a pathway toward Palestinian self-determination, a key request of Arab nations and multiple Council members.
Though they let it pass, Russia and China criticised the resolution for lacking clarity and for not reinforcing a firm commitment to a two-state solution.
The plan’s initial phase, which activated on October 10, halted months of fighting triggered by the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Gaza health authorities say more than 69,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began.
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