Hamas, the militant group governing the Gaza Strip, has positioned itself in direct opposition to the UN Security Council, flatly rejecting a newly adopted resolution that mandates its disarmament. The US-drafted resolution, which passed on Monday, authorizes an “international stabilization force” (ISF) to enter Gaza and ensure its “complete demilitarization.” In a defiant statement, Hamas declared it “will not disarm” and labeled the plan an “international guardianship mechanism.”
The resolution, which passed despite Russian and Chinese abstentions, is the international community’s endorsement of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the two-year war. It is seen as a crucial step to legitimize the plan and encourage countries to contribute troops to the ISF, which is tasked with decommissioning all weapons and destroying military infrastructure. The plan also establishes a “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump, to oversee reconstruction.
The United States, which championed the resolution, celebrated its passage. Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council the plan “dismantles Hamas’ grip” and creates a “prosperous and secure” Gaza. President Trump called the vote “historic.” This vision of a disarmed Gaza, however, is precisely what Hamas is vowing to fight. The group’s statement asserted that its struggle against Israel is “legitimate resistance,” directly contradicting the resolution’s premise.
This impending clash between Hamas and the ISF is further complicated by divisions at the global level. Russia and China abstained from the vote, arguing that the resolution sidelines the UN. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya warned that the council was granting “complete control” to a US initiative whose operational details are completely unknown.
In a further twist, the Palestinian Authority (PA), Hamas’s rival, welcomed the resolution. The PA’s support, which diplomats say was key to avoiding a Russian veto, appears linked to a clause in the text referencing a “pathway to Palestinian… statehood.” This same clause, however, has drawn criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reiterated his opposition to such an outcome, placing the plan at the center of multiple, overlapping conflicts.
