In a historic turn at the United Nations headquarters on Monday, November 17, 2025, the Security Council approved a United States-sponsored plan aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding the Gaza Strip. The resolution, which enshrines President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, marks a significant diplomatic victory for the US administration and could reshape the future of the war-torn territory after two years of relentless conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to The New York Times, the Security Council’s vote was a breakthrough, providing a legal UN mandate for the administration’s vision to move beyond the current cease-fire and begin the arduous process of reconstructing Gaza. The plan calls for the creation of an International Stabilization Force tasked with entering, demilitarizing, and temporarily governing the Gaza Strip. This move is intended to restore order and lay the groundwork for a sustainable peace, though many questions remain about the specifics of implementation and long-term governance.
The resolution passed with overwhelming support: 13 votes in favor, none against. Notably, Russia and China—two of the Council’s five permanent members with veto power—abstained from the vote. Their abstentions were seen as a tacit acceptance, influenced by the surprising level of backing from a coalition of Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, and Pakistan all expressed support, with Pakistan currently holding a seat on the Council. As Al Jazeera reported, this broad coalition helped to break the deadlock that had isolated the United States at the United Nations over its steadfast support for Israel throughout the recent conflict.
Before the vote, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz addressed the Council, holding up a copy of the resolution and painting a grim picture of the situation on the ground. "Gaza is hell on earth," Waltz declared, describing the devastation wrought by two years of war and the urgent need for international intervention. He described the resolution as “a lifeline,” emphasizing its potential to chart a new course for Israelis, Palestinians, and all people in the region. After the vote, Waltz thanked the Council for “joining us in charting a new course for Israelis, Palestinians and all the people in the region alike.”
At its core, the US plan envisions an International Stabilization Force, which would be charged with entering Gaza, ensuring demilitarization, and overseeing the territory’s governance during the transitional phase. The resolution also introduces the concept of a "Board of Peace" to supervise the broader peace plan, though the composition and powers of this board remain undefined. This ambiguity has sparked speculation among diplomats and observers alike. Who will sit on the board? How will its authority be balanced with local Palestinian leadership? These questions linger, but the Council’s approval signals a willingness to move forward even as details are hashed out.
Security Council resolutions like this one are considered legally binding under international law. However, as Reuters notes, the Council lacks a direct enforcement mechanism. Instead, it relies on the collective will of the international community to ensure compliance, resorting to penalties such as sanctions for violators if necessary. This has led some analysts to question the practical impact of the resolution, especially given the complex realities on the ground in Gaza and the broader Middle East.
The significance of Monday’s vote cannot be overstated. For much of the past two years, the United States had found itself isolated at the United Nations, largely due to its unwavering support for Israel during the ongoing conflict. The passage of this resolution represents not only a diplomatic win for the Trump administration but also a rare instance of consensus-building in a deeply divided Security Council. The support from key Arab and Muslim nations was especially notable, reflecting a shared interest in stabilizing Gaza and preventing further escalation.
According to BBC News, the resolution’s passage followed intense behind-the-scenes negotiations. Russia and China, both of whom have often clashed with the US on Middle East policy, ultimately chose to abstain rather than exercise their veto power. Diplomats suggested their decision was influenced by the broad coalition in favor of the resolution, as well as a desire to avoid appearing obstructionist in the face of mounting humanitarian needs in Gaza.
For the people of Gaza, the resolution offers a glimmer of hope after years of hardship. The territory has been described as "hell on earth," with widespread destruction, a collapsed healthcare system, and shortages of basic necessities. The International Stabilization Force, if successfully deployed, could help restore order, facilitate humanitarian aid, and create the conditions necessary for rebuilding. Still, many residents remain wary, recalling previous international interventions that failed to deliver lasting peace or stability.
Regional leaders have also weighed in, with mixed reactions. Some see the resolution as a necessary step toward ending the cycle of violence and addressing the root causes of the conflict. Others are more skeptical, warning that any peace plan must be inclusive and respect the rights and aspirations of Palestinians. The lack of clarity around the "Board of Peace" and the role of Palestinian leadership in the reconstruction process has been a particular point of concern.
As the world watches, attention now turns to the practicalities of implementing the Security Council’s mandate. Deploying an International Stabilization Force in Gaza will require careful coordination, significant resources, and—perhaps most challenging—broad-based political support from all parties involved. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether this ambitious plan can translate from paper to reality.
For now, the Security Council’s vote stands as a rare moment of unity in an often fractious international arena. Whether the resolution will mark the beginning of a new era for Gaza, or simply another chapter in its long history of conflict and intervention, remains to be seen. But as Ambassador Waltz put it, the world has taken a step toward "charting a new course"—and for millions in the region, that’s a reason to pay close attention.
