UN Council Backs the US Gaza Proposal
A UN Security Council has supported a plan presented by Donald Trump for establishing a lasting peace in Gaza, including the stationing of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual avenue to a independent Palestine.
Widespread Support with Notable Absent Votes
This measure was approved by a count of 13-0, with Russia and China choosing not to vote. The US envoy the American delegate told the council chamber that it charted “a fresh direction in the area for the conflicting parties and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.
Balanced Phrasing on Palestinian Statehood
The inclusion of allusions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the trade-off the America paid for backing from the Muslim nations, who are anticipated to contribute security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF).
“Provisional steps that we begin today must be implemented in accordance with global standards and honoring Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires stated.
Netanyahu's Resistance Continues
However, on the brink of the UN vote, leader Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his administration's strong objection to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether the Israeli government will permit the enactment of the Council-backed plan.
Main Elements of the Resolution
- Swift elimination of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into the territory
- Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit
- Steps toward rebuilding and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood”
Ambiguous Language and Conditions
The mention to sovereignty was a compromise addition to an original American proposal which excluded it. However the language is ambiguous and conditional, stating only that once the PA has undergone changes and the reconstruction of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may finally be in readiness for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
Global Feedback
The wording was insufficient of the firm commitment to the building of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in speeches to the assembly after the decision, delegates from those states said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the service of continuing the present ceasefire and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the over two million Palestinians in the territory.
“Algeria has eventually decided to endorse of this document, a measure that we approve its core objective, namely the maintenance of the ceasefire and the formation of conditions permitting the Palestinians to exercise their immeasurable rights to independence and sovereignty,” the Algerian envoy stated.
Practical Difficulties
This measure grants overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” headed by Donald Trump, but of undefined composition. The group has to update the UN but it is not bound by the wishes of the global organization or by the Palestinian leadership.
Additionally, it requires the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run routine management of the Gaza and the distribution of aid, but it is far from clear who would take part.
Peacekeeping Unit Mission
The mandate of the international stabilisation force empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in the territory, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would agree to attempt to engage such factions. No country has yet pledged to sending peacekeepers.
Furthermore the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague.
European officials said they considered it urgent that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to distribute aid was settled as without delay.
