United Nations Council Backs Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

A UN Security Council has supported measures put forward by President Trump for establishing a lasting peace in Gaza, featuring the deployment of an multinational security unit and a eventual route to a independent Palestine.

Widespread Support with Notable Abstentions

This measure was approved by a vote of thirteen supporting, with both China and Russia abstaining. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador addressed the international body that it charted “a fresh direction in the area for Israelis and Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the area alike”.

Compromise Language on Sovereignty

The inclusion of mentions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the US offered for backing from the Muslim nations, who are expected to provide stabilisation troops for the global force.

“Provisional steps that we embark on today must be carried out in following international law and honoring Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative declared.

Israeli Objection Continues

Nevertheless, on the brink of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his administration's firm resistance to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will allow the implementation of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Proposal

• Immediate lifting of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into the territory
• Creation of an global security force
• Progress on reconstruction and a potential “route to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Vague Wording and Conditions

The mention to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an first US version which omitted it. But the wording is vague and dependent, declaring only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the rebuilding of the territory is under way, “the conditions may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.”

International Response

The language was insufficient of the firm commitment to the building of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel desired by Arab countries, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the council after the vote, representatives from those nations said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the benefit of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to feed and protect the over two million Palestinian people in Gaza.

“Algeria has eventually decided to endorse of this document, a resolution that we approve its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of situations allowing the Palestinians to claim their fundamental rights to sovereignty and statehood,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution provides general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of undefined composition. The board has to inform the UN but it is not required to follow the wishes of the global organization or by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it demands the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Security Force Authority

The mandate of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the strip, but it is quite ambiguous that possible sending countries would be willing to face such organizations. No country has yet pledged to contributing forces.

Moreover the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been vague.

EU representatives said they considered it urgent that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was settled as promptly.