UN Council Backs the US Gaza Proposal

A Security Council has voted to endorse measures put forward by Donald Trump for achieving a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, featuring the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a potential route to a Palestinian statehood.

Broad Backing with Key Absent Votes

The resolution was passed by a count of 13-0, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador told the council chamber that it charted “a new course in the area for both sides and all the people of the area alike”.

Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of allusions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the America offered for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to supply security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Interim measures that we begin today must be executed in accordance with legal norms and honoring Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires declared.

Israeli Objection Persists

However, on the verge of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his administration's firm resistance to the establishment of a Palestinian state, casting doubt on whether Tel Aviv will permit the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals.

Central Components of the Proposal

• Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the territory
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Progress on reconstruction and a possible “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”

Ambiguous Wording and Conditions

The mention to sovereignty was a balanced insertion to an original American proposal which excluded it. But the phrasing is unclear and conditional, promising only that once the PA has reformed itself and the restoration of the strip is under way, “the circumstances may ultimately be in readiness for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

International Feedback

The wording was insufficient of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the assembly after the decision, delegates from those states said they were willing to endorse the agreement in the interests of continuing the present ceasefire and prompt actions to assist and secure the millions of Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“We has ultimately decided to endorse of this resolution, a resolution that we support its main goal, namely the continuation of the truce and the establishment of conditions enabling the Palestinian people to assert their immeasurable rights to self-determination and statehood,” Amar Bendjama stated.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution provides comprehensive monitoring control to a “peace board” headed by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The board has to report to the United Nations but it is not required to follow the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

It also calls for the establishment of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The authority of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the territory, but it is far from clear that would-be troop contributors would consent to face such organizations. None of the states has yet pledged to sending peacekeepers.

Additionally the criteria for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been hazy.

European officials said they considered it urgent that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was agreed as promptly.