UN Security Council Approves Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The UN Security Council has approved proposals advanced by the US president for securing a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, including the deployment of an global peacekeeping force and a potential avenue to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Approval with Notable Absent Votes

This measure was approved by a tally of thirteen in favor, with Russia and China abstaining. America's representative the American delegate informed the international body that it mapped “a new course in the region for the conflicting parties and all the inhabitants of the area alike”.

Negotiated Language on Palestinian Statehood

Addition of references to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the US agreed to for support from the Arab states, who are expected to provide security forces for the multinational unit.

“Interim measures that we embark on today must be executed in accordance with international law and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Government Opposition Persists

Nonetheless, on the eve of the UN vote, leader Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s strong objection to the establishment of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether the Israeli government will accept the implementation of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on assistance into Gaza
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Steps toward reconstruction and a possible “route to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood”

Ambiguous Language and Requirements

The inclusion to Palestinian statehood was a compromise addition to an first US version which did not mention it. But the wording is vague and conditional, promising only that once the Palestinian leadership has reformed itself and the reconstruction of the strip is under way, “the situation may eventually be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

Worldwide Reaction

The wording fell far short of the definite pledge to the building of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel requested by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European delegates, but in speeches to the council after the decision, envoys from those countries said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the service of extending the present ceasefire and swift steps to assist and secure the 2.2 million Palestinians in the territory.

“We has eventually decided to support of this text, a text that we support its core objective, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the creation of conditions allowing the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to independence and statehood,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal grants general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” led by Donald Trump, but of uncertain membership. The group has to update the international body but it is not obligated by the wishes of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.

Furthermore, it demands the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage routine management of the territory and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would participate.

Peacekeeping Unit Mandate

The mandate of the global force empowers it to remove and dissolve militant organizations in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would be willing to engage such organizations. None of the states has yet committed itself to contributing forces.

Furthermore the standards for changes to the PA, the prerequisite towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been hazy.

EU representatives said they considered it urgent that the names of the specialized group to provide utilities was settled as promptly.