United Nations Security Council Backs the US Gaza Peace Plan

A UN Security Council has voted to endorse measures presented by President Trump for achieving a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual route to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Broad Backing with Notable Abstentions

The proposal was passed by a vote of thirteen supporting, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. America's representative the American delegate told the council chamber that it mapped “a fresh direction in the Middle East for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the region alike”.

Balanced Language on Sovereignty

Incorporation of mentions to an independent Palestine was the price the America paid for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to supply peacekeepers for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Interim measures that we begin today must be executed in adhering to global standards and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires declared.

Israeli Resistance Remains

Nevertheless, on the brink of the council decision, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu restated his cabinet's strong objection to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether the Israeli government will allow the execution of the internationally endorsed measures.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of remaining curbs on assistance into Gaza
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards restoration and a possible “route to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Vague Phrasing and Stipulations

The mention to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which excluded it. But the language is unclear and contingent, stating only that once the Palestinian leadership has reformed itself and the reconstruction of the strip is under way, “the situation may finally be in readiness for a realistic route to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

Global Feedback

The language fell far short of the firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the chamber after the approval, envoys from those states said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the service of continuing the present ceasefire and immediate measures to provide for and safeguard the millions of Palestinian people in Gaza.

“Our delegation has eventually decided to endorse of this resolution, a measure that we back its core objective, namely the maintenance of the truce and the creation of circumstances permitting the Palestinian people to assert their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama declared.

Execution Hurdles

The proposal provides overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” chaired by Donald Trump, but of uncertain membership. This committee has to inform the international body but it is not obligated by the desires of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage routine management of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Security Force Mission

The mandate of the international stabilisation force gives it authority to neutralize and disband militant organizations in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to engage such factions. Not a single nation has so far committed itself to sending peacekeepers.

Additionally the standards for changes to the PA, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been unclear.

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