UN Security Council adopts US resolution on Gaza peace plan

The UN Security Council on Nov 17 voted to adopt a US-drafted resolution endorsing US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and authorising a multinational force for the Palestinian enclave.

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US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz and other ambassadors voting on Nov 17 in favour of a US resolution to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza. China and Russia abstained from voting during the Security Council meeting, allowing the resolution to pass.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed in October to the first phase of Mr Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza: a ceasefire in their two-year war and a hostage release deal.

But the UN resolution is seen as vital to legitimising a transitional governance body and reassuring countries that are considering sending troops to Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Mr Trump’s peace plan after the Security Council endorsed it, saying it would bring “peace and prosperity”.

“We believe that President Trump’s plan will lead to peace and prosperity because it insists upon full demilitarisation, disarmament and the deradicalisation of Gaza,” Mr Netanyahu’s office posted on X.

“True to President Trump’s vision, this will lead to further integration of Israel and its neighbours as well as expansion of Abraham Accords,” it added.

The Palestinian Authority issued a statement welcoming the resolution, stressing “the urgent need to immediately implement this resolution on the ground”.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said on Nov 18 that the move is a necessary first step on a long road towards peace.

“The UN resolution is the first step in a long road towards peace. That step was needed because we could not embark on anything else before we had a ceasefire,” she told reporters in Manila during a visit to the Philippines.