UN Security Council Endorses the US Gaza Proposal

The UN Security Council has supported a plan put forward by Donald Trump for securing a durable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the stationing of an multinational security unit and a eventual avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Widespread Approval with Key Abstentions

The resolution was passed by a tally of 13-0, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. The US envoy the American delegate told the international body that it set “a fresh direction in the Middle East for both sides and all the inhabitants of the area alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Sovereignty

The inclusion of references to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the United States offered for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are expected to supply stabilisation troops for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Provisional steps that we start today must be carried out in accordance with legal norms and respecting Palestinian self-determination,” James Kariuki declared.

Israeli Opposition Remains

However, on the eve of the UN vote, leader the Israeli leader reiterated his government’s adamant opposition to the formation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether the Israeli government will accept the implementation of the internationally endorsed measures.

Central Components of the Measure

• Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on assistance into Gaza
• Creation of an international stabilisation force
• Progress on restoration and a eventual “route to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Vague Language and Stipulations

The inclusion to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which did not mention it. But the language is ambiguous and dependent, stating only that once the PA has undergone changes and the reconstruction of the strip is under way, “the circumstances may eventually be in readiness for a credible pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.”

Global Response

The wording fell far short of the definite pledge to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel requested by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in addresses to the assembly after the vote, envoys from those countries said they were prepared to accept the agreement in the benefit of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to feed and protect the over two million Palestinian residents in the strip.

“Algeria has eventually decided to support of this text, a resolution that we back its primary aim, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the creation of situations allowing the Palestinian population to claim their immeasurable rights to self-determination and statehood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Implementation Challenges

This measure provides general supervisory power to a “peace board” chaired by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to inform the United Nations but it is not bound by the desires of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.

It also calls for the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the Gaza and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would take part.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The authority of the ISF gives it authority to neutralize and disband fighting factions in the territory, but it is far from clear that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to confront such organizations. Not a single nation has yet committed itself to sending peacekeepers.

Moreover the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been vague.

EU representatives said they considered it urgent that the names of the specialized group to deliver services was determined as without delay.