U.N. Security Council Greenlights Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza

The United Nations Security Council approved President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel on Monday.

The final deal passed by a unanimous 13-0 margin, with Russia and China abstaining from the vote but opting not to veto the measure unilaterally.

Ambassador to the U.N. Michael Waltz applauded the deal’s passage on Monday, saying it “represents another significant step toward a stable Gaza that will be able to prosper, and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security.”

Trump announced the 20-point ceasefire plan, which includes halting the fighting, freeing hostages and allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, in late September. Israel and Hamas agreed to the plan’s broad principles on Oct. 8, signaling a potential end to the two-year conflict.

Members of the Security Council have issued statements of support throughout the weekend.

“We emphasize that this is a sincere effort, and the Plan provides a viable path towards peace and stability, not only between the Israelis and the Palestinians, but for the entire region,” a coalition of Middle Eastern countries including Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan and Turkey said Friday in a joint statement.

Speaking from the McDonald’s Impact Summit on Monday, Trump celebrated the UN’s endorsement, “It was pretty great. It’s a big thing.”

“I think it’s one of the most important things the United Nations will ever do, actually,” Trump said.

International leaders have gathered in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to vote on the ceasefire plan and agree on the deployment of an International Stabilization Force into Gaza.