US Hails “Historic” UN Vote on Gaza; Russia and China Skeptical

The United States is hailing the UN Security Council’s adoption of its Gaza peace plan as “a moment of true Historic proportion,” in the words of President Donald Trump. The resolution, which passed on Monday, endorses Trump’s 20-point plan, authorizing a “Board of Peace” chaired by the US president and an “international stabilization force” (ISF) to demilitarize the enclave. US Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council the plan “dismantles Hamas’ grip” and offers a “pathway for Palestinian self-determination.”
This celebratory view from Washington, however, is not shared by other major world powers. Veto-wielding members Russia and China both abstained from the vote, expressing deep skepticism about the US-led initiative. Their ambassadors complained that the resolution is deeply flawed because it fails to give the United Nations a clear or meaningful role in Gaza’s future.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya was particularly critical, arguing that the council had just given “complete control” over Gaza to the new, US-led bodies. He warned that the council was “giving its blessing” to a US plan “on the basis of Washington’s promises,” without any knowledge of the “modalities” of how the Board of Peace or the ISF would actually function.
The plan also faces a severe test on the ground. Hamas, the militant group that the ISF is intended to disarm, issued a statement immediately rejecting the resolution. The group called the plan an “international guardianship mechanism” and vowed that it “will not disarm,” setting the stage for a potential conflict with the new international force.
While Hamas rejects the plan, the rival Palestinian Authority has welcomed it. Diplomats said the PA’s endorsement was a key factor in convincing Russia not to use its veto. This support is likely tied to a clause in the resolution that references a “credible pathway to… statehood,” a very clause that has drawn public opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, illustrating the complex and contradictory nature of the new agreement.