The UN Security Council is set to vote on Monday 17th November on a US-sponsored draft resolution to authorise an International Stabilisation Force & transitional governance in Gaza diplomatic sources have confirmed.
The vote follows intensive consultations by Washington which has sought broad endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan unveiled at Sharm Al-Sheikh on 13th October 2025 & backed by more than 20 countries.
The US draft resolution aims to operationalise Trump’s 20-point framework including the creation of a 20,000-strong ISF tasked with dismantling weapons held by non-state armed groups protecting civilians & securing humanitarian corridors.
It would also establish a transitional administrative body known as the Board of Peace to be chaired by Trump with a 2 year mandate running through the end of 2027. US officials have clarified that American troops will not be deployed as part of the force.
Support for the resolution has been strong among key Muslim and Arab states. Pakistan Qatar Egypt the UAE Saudi Arabia Indonesia Jordan & Turkey expressed their backing in a joint statement on 14th November calling the Trump plan historic & a pathway to Palestinian self determination statehood & broader regional stability.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the resolution’s broad international support describing it as the best path to peace in the Middle East & noting that the region has never been this close to a real & lasting peace.
The vote comes amid competing proposals with Russia tabling an alternative draft. Moscow welcomed the mediatory efforts that led to the current ceasefire the release of Israeli hostages & the resumption of humanitarian aid but argued that the US text did not fully adhere to established international legal standards particularly the long standing 2 state framework for an Israeli-Palestinian settlement.
The Russian draft seeks to align peacekeeping arrangements in Gaza with existing UNSC decisions enabling the council to define clear modalities for deploying a stabilisation contingent & establishing administrative structures while remaining compatible with the American initiative.
Russia called on the UN Secretary General to submit options for implementing the Trump plan within this broader legal framework emphasising that only a truly equitable & inclusive approach can ensure a durable cessation of hostilities.
The US has been engaging in negotiations within the 15 member Security Council since Mid October with formal discussions on the draft beginning in early November.
Washington has urged UNSC members not to sow discord during this delicate period stressing that the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile.
The vote on Monday 17th November is expected to be a crucial test of whether the council can unify behind a common framework to stabilise post conflict Gaza with several permanent members retaining veto powers.
The resolution if adopted would mark a significant step in translating the Trump plan into actionable measures on the ground including the establishment of a transitional governing body & the deployment of the ISF while providing a framework for dismantling armed groups & safeguarding civilians.
Supporters say it offers a practical path toward peace stability & Palestinian self determination while opponents argue that it must be aligned with broader international law to ensure its legitimacy & sustainability.
