The resolution, drafted by the United States, was approved on November 17 with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions from Russia and China, with no vetoes.
According to the document, member states may participate in a Peace Council chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, which is considered a transitional body that will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery. The resolution also authorizes the creation of an “international stabilization force” to ensure the demilitarization of Gaza.
The 20-point peace plan proposed by Trump will be attached as an annex to the new resolution, according to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz. “Today’s resolution represents an important step forward, enabling Gaza to prosper and creating conditions for Israel to live in safety,” he said. In a post on his Truth Social account the same day, Trump called the vote “one of the greatest consensuses in UN history, bringing more peace to the world.” The Peace Council is expected to operate until the end of 2027.
Last month, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, implementing a ceasefire after nearly two years of conflict. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution and expressed willingness to participate. Hamas, however, reiterated that it would not disarm and argued that its fight against Israel is legitimate resistance.
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“This resolution imposes an international guardianship mechanism on the Gaza Strip, which our people and local factions reject,” Hamas said in a statement.
Hamas’s comments have raised concerns that the armed group could confront the international force authorized under the resolution, analysts warn.
The resolution has also sparked controversy within Israel because it mentions the possibility of a future Palestinian state. It states that if the Palestinian Authority completes reforms and reconstruction in Gaza makes progress, “conditions may be sufficient to open a clear and credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
“The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political vision for peaceful and prosperous coexistence,” the resolution reads.
Before the vote, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said the resolution would ensure Hamas is “no longer a threat to Israel.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on November 16 that Israel still opposes the creation of a Palestinian state but remains committed to demilitarizing Gaza, even through forceful means.