UN Council Backs the US Gaza Peace Plan

A UN Security Council has supported measures put forward by Donald Trump for establishing a long-term stability in Gaza, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual route to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Unanimous Approval with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was passed by a vote of thirteen in favor, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. The US envoy the American delegate told the international body that it mapped “a fresh direction in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the residents of the territory alike”.

Compromise Language on Palestinian Statehood

Incorporation of allusions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the America agreed to for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are expected to contribute stabilisation troops for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we begin today must be carried out in adhering to legal norms and honoring Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Israeli Opposition Persists

Nevertheless, on the verge of the UN vote, PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the creation of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether Israel will permit the execution of the UN-mandated proposals.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of ongoing restrictions on assistance into the strip
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Progress on restoration and a potential “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Ambiguous Phrasing and Conditions

The mention to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which omitted it. However the phrasing is unclear and contingent, promising only that once the Palestinian leadership has implemented reforms and the rebuilding of the strip is progressing, “the conditions may finally be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.”

Worldwide Reaction

The language did not meet of the firm commitment to the creation of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the chamber after the approval, delegates from those countries said they were prepared to accept the agreement in the service of continuing the current truce and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the over two million Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Algeria has ultimately decided to support of this resolution, a resolution that we back its core objective, namely the preservation of the truce and the formation of situations allowing the Palestinian population to assert their fundamental rights to independence and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama stated.

Implementation Challenges

The proposal gives comprehensive monitoring control to a “board of peace” chaired by the US president, but of uncertain membership. This committee has to report to the UN but it is not required to follow the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run routine management of the Gaza and the delivery of services, but it is far from clear who would be involved.

Stabilisation Team Authority

The mission of the ISF empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would be willing to confront such organizations. Not a single nation has so far agreed to dispatching troops.

Moreover the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the prerequisite towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague.

European diplomats said they viewed it as pressing that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was settled as promptly.