The United Nations Security Council voted on Monday (November 17th) in support of a resolution drafted by the United States, endorsing President Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war and authorizing the deployment of an international peacekeeping force to the Palestinian enclave.
Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas had last month agreed to accept the first phase of Trump’s “20-point plan” for Gaza, which includes ending the two-year war and reaching a prisoner release agreement. The UN resolution is seen as a crucial step that legitimizes the transitional governance structure in Gaza and reassures countries considering sending troops to Gaza.
The resolution states that UN member states can participate in the proposed “Board of Peace,” which will serve as the transitional power authority responsible for overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery efforts. The resolution also authorizes the establishment of an international peacekeeping force to ensure the demilitarization process in Gaza, including disarming Hamas militants and destroying military infrastructure.
Trump’s “20-point plan” is included in the resolution as an annex.
Russia, which holds veto power in the Security Council, had previously indicated potential opposition to the resolution but ultimately abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass.
The Palestinian National Authority issued a statement last Friday supporting the resolution drafted by the United States.
The resolution has sparked controversy within Israel as it mentions the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
The text of the resolution states that once the Palestinian National Authority completes reform plans and progress is made in Gaza’s reconstruction, the conditions for realizing Palestinian self-determination and statehood may be ultimately met.
The resolution reads, “The United States will facilitate dialogue between Israel and Palestine to reach a consensus on a political future of peaceful coexistence and prosperity.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from right-wing members within the government, declared on Sunday that Israel still opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state and vowed to achieve Gaza’s demilitarization, “whether in an easy way or a difficult way.”
Hamas has thus far refused to disarm. A coalition of Palestinian factions led by Hamas issued a statement on Sunday night opposing the resolution, calling it a dangerous step towards placing the region under foreign oversight and alleging that the proposal serves Israeli interests.
President Trump also took to social media platform “Truth Society” to congratulate the Security Council on passing the resolution, describing the vote as “historically significant” and emphasizing that the resolution formally recognizes and supports the Peace Board chaired by him. He described it as “one of the most significant resolutions granted in UN history,” which will contribute to advancing global peace.
He wrote, “The list of board members and more exciting news will be announced in the coming weeks.”
(This article references reporting from Reuters)