UN Security Council Set to Vote on US-Backed Gaza Resolution Amid Controversy

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The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a US-drafted resolution, which endorses President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza and paves the way for an international force to stabilize the Palestinian enclave. The resolution, set to be voted on Monday at 5 p.m. ET, aims to legitimize a transitional governance body and reassure countries considering sending troops to Gaza. The plan, which includes a 20-point proposal, has seen some progress, with Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal. However, the resolution's passage is not guaranteed, as Russia and China, both Security Council veto holders, have expressed reservations. The latest draft of the resolution authorizes an international stabilization force, which would oversee the demilitarization of Gaza, including the decommissioning of weapons and destruction of military infrastructure. The resolution also references a future possibility of Palestinian statehood, a move that has sparked controversy in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed opposition to the resolution, stating that Israel remains opposed to a Palestinian state. Hamas has also rejected the resolution, calling it a step towards foreign guardianship over the territory. Despite these challenges, diplomats at the UN remain optimistic about the resolution's chances of passing, citing backing from the Palestinian Authority and the region. The outcome of the vote is set to be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the future of Gaza and the Middle East peace process.