United Nations Security Council Endorses Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

The UN Security Council has supported a plan advanced by the US president for securing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a eventual avenue to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Backing with Key Absent Votes

This measure was approved by a count of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the American delegate informed the UN assembly that it charted “a fresh direction in the area for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the territory alike”.

Compromise Language on Palestinian Statehood

Addition of mentions to an independent Palestine was the concession the US offered for support from the Arab states, who are expected to contribute peacekeepers for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be executed in accordance with international law and honoring Palestinian self-determination,” James Kariuki declared.

Government Objection Remains

However, on the verge of the UN vote, PM Netanyahu reiterated his government’s firm resistance to the formation of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether the Israeli government will accept the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals.

Main Elements of the Proposal

• Prompt removal of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the strip
• Formation of an global security force
• Moves towards restoration and a possible “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Vague Wording and Requirements

The mention to sovereignty was a compromise addition to an first US version which excluded it. But the wording is ambiguous and conditional, stating only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the restoration of Gaza is progressing, “the situation may ultimately be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

Worldwide Response

The wording was insufficient of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the council after the vote, representatives from those countries said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the service of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to assist and secure the 2.2 million Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“We has eventually decided to support of this resolution, a measure that we support its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and the creation of conditions enabling the Palestinians to exercise their basic entitlements to sovereignty and statehood,” Algeria's representative stated.

Execution Hurdles

This measure gives general supervisory power to a “board of peace” headed by the US president, but of uncertain membership. The board has to update the United Nations but it is not required to follow the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.

It also calls for the establishment of a expert Palestinian panel that is tasked with overseeing day-to-day governance of the Gaza Strip and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Security Force Authority

The authority of the international stabilisation force gives it authority to neutralize and disband fighting factions in the strip, but it is quite ambiguous that would-be troop contributors would agree to attempt to confront such factions. No country has to date agreed to dispatching troops.

Moreover the requirements for changes to the PA, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been hazy.

European diplomats said they deemed it necessary that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was agreed as without delay.