UN Security Council Endorses the US Gaza Proposal

A UN Security Council has voted to endorse a plan put forward by the US president for securing a lasting peace in Gaza, encompassing the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a possible route to a independent Palestine.

Broad Support with Notable Abstentions

This measure was adopted by a vote of thirteen supporting, with Russia and China choosing not to vote. America's representative the US ambassador told the UN assembly that it charted “a fresh direction in the region for the conflicting parties and all the inhabitants of the region alike”.

Compromise Language on Independence

Addition of references to an independent Palestine was the concession the America offered for support from the Muslim nations, who are anticipated to provide security forces for the multinational unit.

“Interim measures that we start today must be carried out in following international law and upholding Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative declared.

Government Objection Persists

Nevertheless, on the brink of the council decision, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his cabinet's firm resistance to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether the Israeli government will allow the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the strip
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards reconstruction and a potential “route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”

Unclear Phrasing and Conditions

The mention to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which did not mention it. But the phrasing is vague and contingent, stating only that once the PA has undergone changes and the reconstruction of the territory is advancing, “the circumstances may eventually be in position for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.”

International Feedback

The wording did not meet of the definite pledge to the building of a independent Palestinian entity beside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in addresses to the assembly after the decision, envoys from those countries said they were ready to support the settlement in the benefit of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinians in the strip.

“We has eventually decided to support of this resolution, a measure that we back its core objective, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of situations allowing the Palestinian people to claim their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution grants general supervisory power to a “board of peace” headed by Trump, but of undefined composition. The board has to report to the UN but it is not required to follow the wishes of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.

It also calls for the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage routine management of the Gaza and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mission of the international stabilisation force empowers it to neutralize and disband fighting factions in Gaza, but it is far from clear that would-be troop contributors would consent to face such organizations. Not a single nation has to date pledged to sending peacekeepers.

Furthermore the standards for changes to the PA, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the specialized group to provide utilities was determined as without delay.