UN Security Council Backs the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The global body has voted to endorse a plan put forward by Donald Trump for securing a long-term stability in Gaza, encompassing the deployment of an multinational security unit and a eventual path to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Approval with Notable Absent Votes

This measure was adopted by a vote of thirteen in favor, with both China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the US ambassador informed the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the area for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the region alike”.

Compromise Wording on Sovereignty

Incorporation of mentions to an self-governing Palestine was the concession the US offered for backing 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 carried out in adhering to international law and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” James Kariuki stated.

Government Opposition Persists

Nevertheless, on the verge of the resolution approval, PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the formation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will permit the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Prompt removal of existing limitations on relief supplies into the territory
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Steps toward restoration and a potential “pathway to Palestinian independence and nationhood”

Unclear Phrasing and Stipulations

The inclusion to independence was a balanced insertion to an first US version which excluded it. Yet the phrasing is unclear and contingent, stating only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of the territory is under way, “the conditions may finally be in position for a realistic route to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood.”

International Reaction

The phrasing fell far short of the firm commitment to the building of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel desired by Arab countries, as well as European council members, but in statements to the council after the approval, representatives from those countries said they were ready to support the settlement in the service of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to assist and secure the 2.2 million Palestinian people in the strip.

“Algeria has finally decided to vote in favour of this document, a text that we support its main goal, namely the maintenance of the truce and the formation of situations allowing the Palestinians to assert their basic entitlements to sovereignty and nationhood,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal grants comprehensive monitoring control to a “peace board” chaired by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The group has to inform the United Nations but it is not bound by the desires of the UN or by the PA.

Furthermore, it demands the creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Security Force Mandate

The authority of the ISF authorizes it to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the territory, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would consent to confront such groups. Not a single nation has to date agreed to sending peacekeepers.

Additionally the requirements for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been vague.

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the names of the expert panel to deliver services was agreed as without delay.