The UN Security Council has approved a resolution that authorises an international stabilisation force in the Gaza Strip, following a 13-0 vote on Monday. This initiative, backed by the United States, aims to restore security in the war-torn territory and outlines a potential pathway for Palestinian independence. Notably, Russia abstained from the vote, along with China, after proposing a rival resolution that advocated for stronger support for Palestinian statehood.
This decision is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire that has emerged after two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The resolution is structured around a 20-point ceasefire plan put forth by US President Donald Trump, which includes the establishment of a transitional authority known as the Board of Peace. This board is intended to oversee the transition towards Palestinian statehood and will be led by Trump himself.
Support from Arab nations has been crucial for the resolution’s passage, as many had indicated that Security Council endorsement was essential for their involvement in the international force. The stabilisation mission is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing borders, ensuring security, and facilitating the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip.
US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, described the resolution as “historic and constructive,” asserting that it marks a new direction for the region. He indicated that this resolution is merely the beginning of a long process aimed at fostering a stable Gaza that can thrive economically while allowing Israel to live securely.
During the negotiation phase, Arab countries and Palestinian representatives urged the US to enhance the language regarding Palestinian self-determination. The US responded by revising the wording to reflect that conditions for a credible pathway to statehood may arise following reforms by the Palestinian Authority and progress in rebuilding Gaza. The resolution also commits to establishing dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to set a framework for peaceful coexistence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong opposition to any moves towards Palestinian statehood, arguing that it could reward Hamas and threaten Israel’s security. The adoption of the resolution was facilitated by broad support from Arab and Muslim nations advocating for a ceasefire and the potential deployment of troops.
The vote comes in the wake of a violent conflict that escalated following a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities. In retaliation, Israeli military operations have reportedly claimed the lives of over 69,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Russia’s alternative proposal sought to reinforce Palestinian statehood and called for a unified Palestinian territory encompassing both Gaza and the West Bank. It omitted references to the transitional board and urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to explore options for an international force in Gaza.
The US resolution stipulates that the stabilisation force will work to demilitarise the Gaza Strip and permanently disarm non-state armed groups. A central challenge lies in disarming Hamas, which has not fully accepted this mandate. The authorised force will be empowered to use “all necessary measures” to fulfill its responsibilities, adhering to international law.
The resolution specifies that stabilisation troops will assist in securing border areas and collaborate with a Palestinian police force that has been trained and vetted. Additionally, the international force will coordinate with Egypt and Israel to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
As the stabilisation force establishes its presence and fosters stability, Israeli military forces are expected to withdraw from Gaza based on specified standards, milestones, and timelines related to demilitarisation. This complex and evolving situation will require ongoing international support and cooperation to ensure a sustainable peace in the region.
