UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations Security Council plans to put forth a draft resolution that would authorize Europe to use military force to stop migrant smuggling boats that set off from Libya across the Mediterranean Sea, signaling the Continent’s resolve to stanch the tide of migrants fleeing the Middle East and North Africa.

The measure, which is likely to be discussed with the European Union foreign minister, Federica Mogherini, on Monday, when she is scheduled to meet with the Security Council, raises a host of tricky legal and diplomatic issues, including whether to offer safe passage to the people on those boats or return them to Libya or their countries.

International law prohibits countries from returning migrants who are fleeing persecution in their own countries.

Hundreds of migrants have died at sea while trying to reach Europe, many on frail dinghies. The International Organization for Migration has recorded a death toll of more than 1,800 so far this year.