UN Council Endorses the US Gaza Strip Proposal

A UN Security Council has supported a plan advanced by Donald Trump for achieving a lasting peace in Gaza, featuring the deployment of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Widespread Approval with Notable Abstentions

The proposal was approved by a vote of thirteen in favor, with both China and Russia abstaining. America's representative the American delegate told the international body that it charted “a new course in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the area alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Sovereignty

Addition of mentions to an independent Palestine was the concession the US offered for endorsement from the Arab states, who are likely to contribute security forces for the multinational unit.

“The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be executed in accordance with legal norms and upholding Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Netanyahu's Opposition Continues

Nevertheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, PM Netanyahu restated his government’s strong objection to the formation of a independent Palestinian entity, casting doubt on whether Israel will accept the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals.

Central Components of the Proposal

• Swift elimination of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into the territory
• Formation of an global security force
• Moves towards reconstruction and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Unclear Wording and Stipulations

The mention to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which did not mention it. However the wording is vague and conditional, promising only that once the PA has reformed itself and the rebuilding of Gaza is progressing, “the circumstances may eventually be in position for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

Worldwide Feedback

The phrasing fell far short of the definite pledge to the creation of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel sought by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the chamber after the approval, delegates from those countries said they were willing to endorse the agreement in the benefit of prolonging the current truce and prompt actions to provide for and safeguard the 2.2 million Palestinians in the territory.

“Algeria has eventually decided to endorse of this text, a resolution that we back its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and the creation of situations enabling the Palestinian people to claim their basic entitlements to self-determination and nationhood,” Algeria's representative stated.

Implementation Challenges

This measure provides general supervisory power to a “peace board” led by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to update the United Nations but it is not obligated by the desires of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage daily administration of the Gaza Strip and the distribution of aid, but it is quite ambiguous who would be involved.

Security Force Mission

The mandate of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to neutralize and disband armed groups in Gaza, but it is far from clear that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to face such factions. No country has yet agreed to dispatching troops.

Moreover the requirements for modification of Palestinian leadership, the prerequisite towards progress on independence, have been vague.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the specialized group to deliver services was determined as promptly.