New York, 17 November 2025
The Security Council voted today on a resolution authorizing a Board of Peace and an International Stabilization Force in Gaza, as outlined in a United States “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.”
The Plan’s first phase established a fragile ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, a partial withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces and increased humanitarian aid.
The second phase calls for Hamas to disarm, further Israel Defense Forces withdrawal, the deployment of the Israel Security Forces and the creation of an interim technocratic government under the Board of Peace before eventual Palestinian Authority control. The plan envisions a 20,000-troop enforcement mission by 2026.
(Note: A complete summary of today’s Security Council meeting will be available at a later time.)
Source – United Nations
The New York Times calls UN Security Council Resolution a “major breakthrough
According to The New York Times, the U.N. Security Council has approved President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza in a major diplomatic breakthrough, granting it a legally binding U.N. mandate after two years of conflict. The U.S.-sponsored resolution, which passed with 13 votes in favor and no vetoes, authorizes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force to enter, demilitarize and administer Gaza, and includes Mr. Trump’s 20-point cease-fire plan. Russia and China abstained, swayed by strong support from Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Türkiye, Indonesia and Pakistan.
The resolution envisions Gaza being overseen by a newly created “Board of Peace,” though its composition and authority still need to be defined. It also links progress on Gaza’s reconstruction and reforms within the Palestinian Authority to the potential emergence of a “credible pathway” to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Algeria, negotiating on behalf of the Arab Group, praised Trump’s engagement but stressed that Palestinian statehood remains essential for a just peace.
Despite the vote, significant challenges remain. Israel continues airstrikes in Gaza, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state. Hamas fighters remain armed, raising concerns among Arab and Muslim countries that are expected to contribute to the Stabilization Force but are wary of being drawn into combat with Palestinian militants. The U.S. pursued the Security Council mandate partly to ensure regional troops would not be seen domestically as occupiers.
The resolution survived intense negotiations, including strong pushback from Russia, China, and several European members who sought clearer language on statehood and governance mechanisms. Washington ultimately secured support by rallying Arab states, warning that failure could collapse the cease-fire. The plan authorizes a trust fund for Gaza’s reconstruction, assigns the Board of Peace to oversee the territory until at least 2027, and calls for a technocratic Palestinian committee to handle day-to-day governance. The Stabilization Force is also tasked with dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure, protecting civilians, supporting border security and assisting Palestinian police alongside Egypt and Israel.