United Nations Council Backs the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan

A UN Security Council has approved measures put forward by Donald Trump for achieving a long-term stability in Gaza, including the stationing of an multinational security unit and a eventual avenue to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Backing with Notable Abstentions

This measure was passed by a count of 13-0, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador addressed the council chamber that it charted “a new course in the region for the conflicting parties and all the people of the region alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of mentions to an independent Palestine was the price the US offered for support from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to supply security forces for the global force.

“Interim measures that we begin today must be carried out in adhering to global standards and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” James Kariuki stated.

Israeli Resistance Remains

Nevertheless, on the verge of the UN vote, leader Netanyahu restated his government’s strong objection to the formation of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will allow the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on assistance into the strip
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Moves towards rebuilding and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian independence and statehood”

Vague Wording and Requirements

The inclusion to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an original American proposal which excluded it. Yet the wording is ambiguous and dependent, stating only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of the territory is progressing, “the conditions may ultimately be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

Global Feedback

The language did not meet of the firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel requested by Arab countries, as well as European delegates, but in addresses to the chamber after the approval, delegates from those nations said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the service of continuing the present ceasefire and immediate measures to feed and protect the millions of Palestinians in the strip.

“Our delegation has finally decided to endorse of this resolution, a text that we support its main goal, namely the preservation of the truce and the formation of conditions allowing the Palestinian people to exercise their basic entitlements to independence and nationhood,” Algeria's representative announced.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution provides overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of uncertain membership. The board has to inform the international body but it is not bound by the wishes of the global organization or by the PA.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is tasked with overseeing routine management of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Security Force Mandate

The mandate of the international stabilisation force empowers it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the territory, but it is quite ambiguous that potential participating nations would consent to confront such organizations. No country has so far committed itself to contributing forces.

Additionally the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been hazy.

EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the names of the specialized group to deliver services was settled as without delay.