The UN Security Council approved a US-drafted resolution endorsing parts of a 20-point Gaza plan, voting 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining. The text authorizes a temporary "Board of Peace" to govern Gaza and a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to secure streets, oversee demilitarization and escort aid, but leaves many implementation details vague. Key unanswered questions include timelines for PA reforms and transfer of authority, the mechanics of disarmament, and the extent of Palestinian participation. Supporters say UN backing legitimizes international involvement; critics warn it could impose outside control and lacks sufficient safeguards.
UN Security Council Endorses U.S. Gaza Plan, Authorizes Transitional Board and International Stabilization Force
The UN Security Council approved a US-drafted resolution endorsing parts of a 20-point Gaza plan, voting 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining. The text authorizes a temporary "Board of Peace" to govern Gaza and a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to secure streets, oversee demilitarization and escort aid, but leaves many implementation details vague. Key unanswered questions include timelines for PA reforms and transfer of authority, the mechanics of disarmament, and the extent of Palestinian participation. Supporters say UN backing legitimizes international involvement; critics warn it could impose outside control and lacks sufficient safeguards.
02:36 AM, 11/19/2025Conflict
The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a US-drafted resolution intended to move beyond the fragile truce in Gaza toward a more durable peace and the reconstruction of the devastated territory. The 15-member council voted 13-0 in favor, while Russia and China abstained and chose not to veto the text.
What the resolution does
The resolution endorses elements of a 20-point Gaza plan proposed by President Donald Trump. It authorizes the creation of a temporary "Board of Peace" to serve as a transitional authority in Gaza and calls for a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to support security and humanitarian operations.
The text empowers the Board and other international civil and security presences through the end of 2027 unless a handover to the Palestinian Authority (PA) occurs earlier. Handover is tied to the PA "satisfactorily" completing a reform program, though the resolution provides few specifics on the program or clear sequencing for implementation.
Mandate and tasks
The resolution assigns several core tasks to the Board of Peace and the ISF: securing Gaza's streets, overseeing the disarmament of Hamas and other armed factions, protecting civilians, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid through secure corridors, and coordinating reconstruction. It also calls on UN member states and international organizations to contribute personnel, equipment, funding and technical assistance to the Board and the ISF.
Reactions and concerns
President Trump celebrated the vote, saying on social media that the Board of Peace "will be chaired by me, and include the most powerful and respected Leaders throughout the World." The U.S. ambassador to the UN described the ISF as "a strong coalition of peacekeepers, many from Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia, Azerbaijan and others," operating under "a unified command" to carry out security and humanitarian tasks.
Israel voiced strong support for the mandate’s emphasis on demilitarization. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored that "Gaza will be demilitarized, and Hamas will be disarmed — either the easy way or the hard way." Israel’s president described the vote as an important diplomatic moment and said it could help efforts to secure the release of hostages and to build a more hopeful future.
Hamas condemned the draft as an "attempt to impose international guardianship over Gaza" and warned that assigning roles such as disarming fighters would make any stabilization force a party to the conflict. Many Gaza residents expressed skepticism and fear that foreign forces could fail to protect civilians or infringe on Palestinian sovereignty. "Those who are supposed to come now, God willing, may they improve everything for these people," one Gaza resident said, adding that the enclave's needs are urgent and previous interventions have fallen short.
Outstanding questions
Diplomats and analysts have highlighted several unresolved issues: the resolution is vague on sequencing and operational details; it sets no clear timetable for PA reforms or for transfer of authority; and although it references a potential pathway to Palestinian self-determination, it does not provide a timeline or concrete steps toward statehood. Russia warned the text should not become "a death knell for the two-state solution," while China said Palestinian sovereignty and ownership were not sufficiently reflected.
With UN backing, supporters say the resolution gives participating countries a stronger legal basis to contribute to the ISF and reconstruction. Critics say the lack of clarity on timelines, command, and Palestinian participation could complicate implementation and fuel local opposition.
Questions about how disarmament would be achieved remain central. Some Hamas leaders say they will not relinquish weapons that they view as necessary protection against rival militias, while Israeli officials insist on full demilitarization as a precondition for lasting security.
As the international community and regional actors consider next steps, the immediate challenge will be turning broad mandates and political commitments into a detailed, accountable plan that addresses security, governance, humanitarian needs and Palestinian participation.