The United Nations Security Council has adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to “end the war in Gaza and initiate a post-conflict transition.” The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor; Russia and China abstained.
The resolution welcomes the plan announced on September 29, which outlines a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a comprehensive reconstruction framework.
It authorizes the formation of a transitional governing body—referred to as the “Board of Peace”—and an International Stabilization Force (ISF) tasked with overseeing demilitarization and civilian protection.
While the resolution does not formally recognize Palestinian statehood, it states that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” contingent on governance reforms and reconstruction progress.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have publicly rejected any implication of statehood, calling the clause unacceptable.
The resolution affirms that the situation in Gaza “threatens regional peace and security,” referencing prior Security Council resolutions on the Middle East and the Palestinian question.
It calls for the full resumption of humanitarian aid in accordance with international law and urges financial institutions, including the World Bank, to support Gaza’s recovery—potentially through a donor-managed trust fund.
The State of Palestine welcomed the resolution, highlighting its provisions for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and “acknowledgment of Palestinian rights to self-determination.”
Palestinian leadership called for immediate implementation to restore civilian life, prevent forced displacement, and ensure the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
In a statement, Palestinian officials expressed readiness to cooperate with the U.S., Security Council members, Arab and Islamic nations, the European Union, and UN agencies to operationalize the resolution.
They reaffirmed their commitment to assuming full governance responsibilities in Gaza as part of a unified Palestinian state and thanked countries willing to support efforts toward ending the occupation and achieving a just and lasting peace.
However, the resolution notably omits any reference to longstanding UN resolutions that affirm the full Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, as stipulated in Resolutions 242 and 338.
It also makes no mention of the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees under Resolution 194, nor does it formally recognize the State of Palestine.
The issue of illegal Israeli colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem—widely condemned under international law—remains unaddressed.
Most critically, the resolution fails to acknowledge or address the ongoing genocide in Gaza, as documented by numerous human rights organizations, UN agencies, and legal scholars. It also fails to address the repeated, often fatal, Israeli violations of the mediated ceasefire in Gaza.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations have resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and mass displacement—actions that many experts argue meet the legal threshold for genocide under the 1948 Convention.
Since the mediated ceasefire came into effect, 261 people have been killed and more than 630 wounded in Gaza. Humanitarian groups warn that continued strikes on populated areas are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation and placing civilians at ongoing risk.
Medical sources in Gaza reported Thursday that the death toll from Israel’s genocide of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 69,187 Palestinians, with the vast majority being women and children.
The number of wounded has reached 170,703 since October 7, 2023. Rescue teams continue to face insurmountable challenges, as many victims remain trapped under rubble in areas inaccessible due to bombardment and lack of equipment.
The absence of any accountability mechanism or reference to international humanitarian law violations has raised alarm among Palestinian advocates and legal experts, who warn that selective diplomacy risks entrenching impunity and undermining the credibility of the UN system.
