The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a US-sponsored draft resolution authorizing the creation of an international force in Gaza and a transitional governing body called the “Board of Peace.”
In the wake of demand from key Arab and Muslim states about commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state, the revised text includes a reference to a possible future Palestinian state.
The reference elicited a sharp reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after allies in his governing coalition criticized the draft and threatened to leave the government if he did not push back.
“Regarding a Palestinian state,” Netanyahu said Sunday, “our opposition to a Palestinian state in any territory west of the Jordan [River] is existing, valid, and has not changed one bit.”
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President Donald Trump’s peace plan effectively suspended the fighting between Israel and Hamas. More than 69,483 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli genocidal war in Gaza since October 2023.
The 15-member Council voted 13 in favor, none against, with China and Russia abstaining.
Pakistan supported the resolution, which builds on the 20-point US plan intended to restore security, ensure humanitarian access, and begin a sustained process of reconstruction and institutional reform for the enclave following two years of devastating Israeli war in the besieged territory.
The resolution would establish an International Stabilization Force (ISF), working with Israel and Egypt under an initial two-year mandate.
The ISF would be responsible for securing Gaza’s borders, protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, supporting the training and deployment of a reconstituted Palestinian police force, and overseeing the permanent de-commissioning of weapons held by Hamas and other armed groups.
The resolution also states that Israeli forces would fully withdraw once the ISF has established security and operational control across the territory.
A transitional governance mechanism, the Board of Peace — chaired by President Trump under the US peace plan that underpinned the 8 October ceasefire — would be formed to coordinate security, humanitarian, and reconstruction planning.
This body would guide Gaza toward a reformed Palestinian governing authority. The resolution outlines a pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and eventual statehood, linked to accountable governance and reconstruction benchmarks.
The resolution would provide international legal authority for a multinational security mission composed of Muslim-majority nations, a condition viewed by potential troop contributors and donors as necessary for deployment.
It marks a decisive shift from active conflict to stabilization and reconstruction, combining security guarantees with reforms to governance and public services.
The vote also tests the Council’s ability to agree on a post-conflict framework for Gaza at a critical diplomatic moment, amid ongoing humanitarian needs and heightened regional tensions.
Before the vote, US Ambassador Mike Waltz warned that failure to act now could lead to renewed infighting and the collapse of the fragile ceasefire.
Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
