UN Security Council Backs U.S. Gaza Plan in 13–0 Vote, With China and Russia Abstaining

In a decisive step toward shaping Gaza’s postwar governance, the UN Security Council approved a U.S.-backed plan on the future of the territory in a 13–0 vote, with China and Russia abstaining. The resolution, passed yesterday, gives international legitimacy to a proposed stabilization force and transitional government, while "signaling global support for maintaining momentum behind the current truce".

Hamas rejected parts of the proposal, arguing that mandating an international force to disarm Hamas “turns it into a party to the conflict in favor of the occupation.”

Many governments had been waiting for a clear UN mandate before committing troops; diplomats told several outlets they supported the resolution despite reservations in order to preserve the fragile ceasefire progress.

What the Resolution Does

The UNSC resolution effectively endorses much of U.S. President Donald Trump’s twenty-point peace plan, which facilitated last month’s ceasefire. Its core elements:

1. International Stabilization Force

A new multinational contingent would:

• Protect civilians

• Decommission weapons held by armed groups

• Oversee the training of a Palestinian police force

Israeli forces would withdraw once the stabilization force establishes control.

2. Governance and Transition

Trump announced on social media that he intends to chair a transition oversight board alongside international leaders.

The resolution states that if the Palestinian Authority enacts reforms and reconstruction progresses, conditions “may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

3. Reconstruction Framework

The plan calls for a World Bank-backed trust fund to finance Gaza’s reconstruction, a mechanism aimed at "ensuring transparency" and attracting broad donor support.

Who’s Joining the Force?

Several countries are now evaluating participation.

So far, Indonesia and Azerbaijan have agreed to take part, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz said yesterday.

Further talks will determine ground rules, mandate details, and the composition of the force.

Diplomacy Ahead: Eyes on Saudi Arabia

A major unknown is whether Trump will discuss the plan today with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is visiting the White House.

Saudi Arabia has been consulting with Trump on postwar Gaza arrangements. Riyadh has repeatedly said any Saudi-Israel normalization depends on a credible pathway to a Palestinian state — a condition the new resolution attempts to gesture toward, but does not yet guarantee.

What’s Next?

• Negotiations on the stabilization force’s structure

• Commitments from additional troop-contributing countries

• Launch of the World Bank reconstruction fund

• Potential Saudi involvement tied to broader diplomatic goals

The vote marks one of the most unified international moves on Gaza in months. Whether it translates into a durable political pathway—or remains another diplomatic document—will depend on the complex negotiations now underway.