UN Security Council Backs the US Gaza Proposal

The Security Council has supported measures put forward by President Trump for achieving a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the deployment of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual path to a independent Palestine.

Widespread Support with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was adopted by a tally of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. Washington's diplomat the American delegate told the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for the conflicting parties and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.

Compromise Wording on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of references to an self-governing Palestine was the price the America offered for support from the Arab states, who are likely to supply security forces for the global force.

“Provisional steps that we begin today must be carried out in adhering to international law and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative declared.

Israeli Resistance Remains

However, on the brink of the UN vote, leader Netanyahu restated his administration's firm resistance to the creation of a Palestinian state, casting doubt on whether Tel Aviv will accept the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on assistance into the strip
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Steps toward rebuilding and a eventual “route to Palestinian independence and statehood”

Ambiguous Language and Requirements

The mention to independence was a balanced insertion to an first US version which did not mention it. But the language is ambiguous and dependent, stating only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the restoration of Gaza is advancing, “the conditions may ultimately be in readiness for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

Global Reaction

The language fell far short of the strong guarantee to the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the council after the decision, delegates from those nations said they were ready to support the settlement in the benefit of prolonging the present ceasefire and swift steps to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinians in the territory.

“We has ultimately decided to vote in favour of this document, a text that we support its main goal, namely the maintenance of the ceasefire and the formation of circumstances allowing the Palestinian population to exercise their fundamental rights to self-determination and sovereignty,” Algeria's representative stated.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution provides overall oversight authority to a “peace board” headed by Donald Trump, but of undefined composition. This committee has to inform the United Nations but it is not obligated by the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is supposed to run routine management of the Gaza Strip and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would participate.

Security Force Mandate

The authority of the global force empowers it to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the territory, but it is quite ambiguous that possible sending countries would be willing to engage such groups. Not a single nation has so far committed itself to dispatching troops.

Furthermore the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been unclear.

European officials said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was agreed as promptly.