UN Security Council Approves U.S. Plan for Gaza’s Stabilization

The United Nations Security Council on October 30, 2023, approved a U.S. plan designed to stabilize Gaza, authorizing an international force to help restore security in the war-torn region. The resolution passed with a unanimous vote of 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining. This approval marks a significant step towards outlining a potential future for an independent Palestinian state following years of conflict.

The resolution aims to support a fragile ceasefire that has emerged after two years of intense warfare between Israel and Hamas. Arab nations have expressed a willingness to contribute troops to the international stabilization force, contingent upon Security Council authorization. The U.S. plan endorses President Donald Trump‘s 20-point ceasefire proposal, which includes the establishment of a transitional authority dubbed the Board of Peace, with Trump set to lead it.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz described the resolution as “historic and constructive,” emphasizing its potential to create a stable Gaza that allows for Israeli security. He stated, “Today’s resolution represents another significant step towards a stable Gaza that will be able to prosper and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security.” Waltz further noted that this resolution is just the beginning of a broader initiative.

Negotiations leading to the resolution spanned nearly two weeks, during which Arab nations and Palestinian representatives urged the U.S. to enhance language regarding Palestinian self-determination. The final text reflects this, indicating that once the Palestinian Authority, currently governing parts of the West Bank, implements reforms and Gaza’s redevelopment progresses, conditions could be favorable for a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood.

The resolution has sparked backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes any measures that may lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu has consistently argued that such a move would empower Hamas and could result in a greater Hamas-controlled territory along Israel’s borders.

Support from Arab and Muslim countries was crucial for the resolution’s passage. A coalition including Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey issued a joint statement advocating for the swift adoption of the U.S. proposal.

The resolution follows a devastating conflict ignited by Hamas’ unexpected attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions have led to over 69,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but asserts the majority are women and children.

In response to the resolution, Russia proposed an alternative with stronger language favoring the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. This rival proposal emphasized the need for the West Bank and Gaza to be unified under the Palestinian Authority and sought to eliminate references to the transitional board. Russia’s version also called for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide options for an international force focused on security in Gaza and the implementation of a ceasefire.

The U.S. resolution mandates the stabilization force to oversee the demilitarization of Gaza and to ensure the decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups. The force is authorized to use all necessary measures to fulfill its mandate, adhering to international law, which may include military action.

As the stabilization troops work to restore order, the resolution stipulates that Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from Gaza, contingent upon agreed standards and timelines linked to demilitarization. This process will involve close collaboration between the stabilization force, Israeli forces, U.S. representatives, and ceasefire guarantors, aiming to create a secure environment for humanitarian assistance and future political negotiations.