The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a US-drafted resolution aimed at strengthening Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, particularly through the deployment of an international force. Washington has warned that inaction could trigger renewed fighting in the conflict-ravaged Palestinian territory.
The draft resolution, revised multiple times amid high-stakes negotiations, endorses the plan that led to a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on October 10, following two years of conflict that devastated the Gaza Strip.
The latest version authorizes the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to operate alongside Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police. Its mandate includes securing border areas, decommissioning weapons from non-state armed groups, protecting civilians, and safeguarding humanitarian aid corridors.
Additionally, the resolution proposes the formation of a Board of Peace, a transitional governing body for Gaza, which Trump would theoretically chair, with a mandate through 2027. Unlike previous drafts, it also references a potential future Palestinian state, stating that once Gaza’s rebuilding and reforms are underway, “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory. Meanwhile, Russia has circulated a competing draft calling for a stronger endorsement of the two-state solution but stopping short of authorizing an international force or transitional governance, leaving options to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The US has rallied support for its draft, highlighting backing from several Arab nations, including Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz framed a vote against the resolution as siding with Hamas or returning to war.
While Russia and China may register skepticism, experts expect the US-backed resolution to pass the Security Council vote scheduled for 5:00 pm (2200 GMT) Monday.
