UN Security Council Approves US Plan for Gaza Ceasefire

The UN Security Council on November 17 adopted a US-drafted resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the conflict in Gaza and permitting the creation of an international stabilisation force for the territory.

Israel and Hamas agreed last month to the first stage of Trump’s 20-point plan, which includes a ceasefire and a hostage-release arrangement. The UN resolution is viewed as a key step in giving legitimacy to a transitional governance body and assuring countries that may contribute troops. According to the text, member states may take part in the proposed Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, which would guide reconstruction and economic recovery efforts in Gaza. The resolution also authorises the stabilisation force, tasked with overseeing Gaza’s demilitarisation, including the dismantling of weapons and military sites.

Hamas said in a statement that it would not disarm, arguing that its armed activity represents legitimate resistance. It described the resolution as an attempt to impose an international supervisory structure on Gaza, which it rejects.

US ambassador Mike Waltz told the council that the resolution, which includes the 20-point plan as an annex, outlines a potential route towards Palestinian self-determination. He said it aims to reduce Hamas’ influence and allow Gaza to rebuild free from armed groups.

Divisions Within the Security Council

Russia, which holds veto power, had signalled possible opposition but abstained, allowing the measure to pass. Russia and China both criticised the proposal for lacking a defined UN role in Gaza’s future administration. Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said the council was effectively endorsing a US initiative without clarity on how the Board of Peace or the stabilisation force would operate.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution and said it was prepared to help implement it. Diplomatic sources noted that its support last week was significant in avoiding a Russian veto.

Trump hailed the vote online as an important milestone and said further announcements regarding the Board of Peace would follow.

The resolution has stirred debate in Israel because it mentions the possibility of a future Palestinian state. It states that, once reforms are carried out by the Palestinian Authority and Gaza’s reconstruction progresses, conditions could emerge for a credible path towards Palestinian self-determination and statehood. It also says the US will open dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians to agree a political framework for peaceful coexistence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel remains opposed to Palestinian statehood and pledged that Gaza would be demilitarised by one means or another.