United Nations Council Backs Trump's Gaza Proposal

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

Broad Support with Notable Abstentions

The resolution was passed by a count of 13-0, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. The US envoy the American delegate told the council chamber that it charted “a fresh direction in the Middle East for the conflicting parties and all the inhabitants of the area alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Independence

Incorporation of allusions to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the United States agreed to for backing from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to provide stabilisation troops for the global force.

“Provisional steps that we embark on today must be carried out in adhering to international law and respecting Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Netanyahu's Opposition Persists

Nonetheless, on the verge of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister the Israeli leader restated his administration's adamant opposition to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether the Israeli government will accept the execution of the UN-mandated proposals.

Key Provisions of the Measure

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid into the territory
• Establishment of an international stabilisation force
• Progress on restoration and a potential “route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”

Unclear Wording and Conditions

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an original American proposal which excluded it. Yet the wording is unclear and contingent, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of Gaza is under way, “the conditions may eventually be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood.”

Global Feedback

The phrasing was insufficient of the firm commitment to the building of a independent Palestinian entity beside Israel requested by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in statements to the council after the approval, envoys from those nations said they were ready to support the compromise in the interests of extending the current truce and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the millions of Palestinian people in the territory.

“Our delegation has ultimately decided to vote in favour of this text, a measure that we support its core objective, namely the preservation of the ceasefire and the establishment of conditions enabling the Palestinians to exercise their fundamental rights to independence and sovereignty,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Practical Difficulties

This measure grants general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The group has to inform the UN but it is not bound by the wishes of the United Nations or by the Palestinian leadership.

It also calls for the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run daily administration of the territory and the distribution of aid, but it is far from clear who would take part.

Peacekeeping Unit Mandate

The authority of the ISF gives it authority to remove and dissolve fighting factions in Gaza, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would consent to face such groups. No country has yet agreed to dispatching troops.

Additionally the requirements for changes to the PA, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been unclear.

European diplomats said they considered it urgent that the identities of the specialized group to provide utilities was settled as quickly as possible.