The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve a U.S. plan that authorizes an international stabilization force in Gaza. This resolution aims to provide security in the war-torn region and outlines a potential pathway toward an independent Palestinian state. The vote, which passed 13-0, saw Russia and China abstaining. The approval is seen as a critical step in maintaining a fragile ceasefire and shaping Gaza's future after two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Several Arab and Muslim nations have expressed interest in contributing troops to the international force, emphasizing that Security Council authorization is vital for their involvement. The U.S. resolution supports President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, which proposes the establishment of a Board of Peace as a transitional authority. This board would be led by Trump and is part of a broader strategy to oversee Gaza's borders, ensure security, and demilitarize the territory. The authorization for both the board and the stabilization force is set to expire at the end of 2027. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz described the resolution as “historic and constructive,” stating it marks a new direction for the Middle East. He noted, “Today’s resolution represents another significant step toward a stable Gaza that will be able to prosper and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security.” During negotiations leading up to the vote, Arab nations and Palestinian representatives urged the U.S. to enhance the language regarding Palestinian self-determination. The U.S. revised the resolution to indicate that after necessary reforms by the Palestinian Authority and progress in Gaza's reconstruction, “the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” This language has drawn criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes any moves toward establishing a Palestinian state. He argues that such a state would reward Hamas and could lead to a larger Hamas-controlled area adjacent to Israel. Support from Arab and Muslim countries was crucial for the resolution's passage, as they have been advocating for a ceasefire and the potential deployment of an international force. A joint statement from several nations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, called for the swift adoption of the U.S. proposal. The vote occurred amid hopes of maintaining a ceasefire following a conflict that began with Hamas's surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. In response, Israel's military actions have reportedly led to over 69,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry. Russia had previously proposed an alternative resolution that included stronger support for Palestinian statehood and emphasized the need for the West Bank and Gaza to be unified under the Palestinian Authority. This proposal did not include references to the transitional board and called for the U.N. Secretary-General to explore options for an international security force in Gaza. The U.S. resolution mandates the stabilization force to oversee the demilitarization of Gaza and the decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups. A significant challenge remains in disarming Hamas, which has not fully accepted this requirement. The resolution allows the force to use all necessary measures to fulfill its mandate in accordance with international law. As the international force works to establish stability, the resolution stipulates that Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza based on agreed standards and timelines linked to demilitarization. This process will involve coordination among the stabilization force, Israeli forces, the U.S., and other ceasefire guarantors.