UN Security Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Proposal

A UN Security Council has voted to endorse measures put forward by President Trump for securing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the stationing of an global peacekeeping force and a potential avenue to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Approval with Notable Abstentions

The proposal was approved by a count of 13-0, with both China and Russia abstaining. America's representative the US ambassador addressed the international body that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the residents of the area alike”.

Compromise Wording on Independence

The inclusion of references to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the America paid for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to contribute peacekeepers for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“The transitional arrangements that we begin today must be carried out in accordance with global standards and respecting Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Government Objection Persists

Nonetheless, on the verge of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister the Israeli leader reaffirmed his administration's adamant opposition to the formation of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether the Israeli government will permit the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Proposal

• Swift elimination of remaining curbs on relief supplies into the territory
• Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards restoration and a potential “pathway to Palestinian independence and nationhood”

Unclear Wording and Conditions

The inclusion to sovereignty was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which did not mention it. However the phrasing is vague and contingent, declaring only that once the Palestinian leadership has reformed itself and the restoration of Gaza is advancing, “the situation may ultimately be in readiness for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.”

International Response

The language was insufficient of the firm commitment to the building of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel requested by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in addresses to the assembly after the approval, representatives from those states said they were ready to support the settlement in the service of continuing the current truce and swift steps to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Our delegation has finally decided to endorse of this document, a text that we approve its main goal, namely the maintenance of the truce and the creation of circumstances permitting the Palestinian people to claim their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Algeria's representative declared.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution gives comprehensive monitoring control to a “stabilisation committee” headed by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The board has to inform the international body but it is not bound by the preferences of the UN or by the PA.

It also calls for the creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is tasked with overseeing day-to-day governance of the Gaza and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would take part.

Stabilisation Team Authority

The mandate of the ISF authorizes it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the territory, but it is far from clear that possible sending countries would consent to face such factions. None of the states has yet committed itself to contributing forces.

Furthermore the requirements for changes to the PA, the prerequisite towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was agreed as without delay.