UN Council Endorses the US Gaza Strip Initiative

A UN Security Council has supported proposals presented by President Trump for establishing a durable ceasefire in Gaza, encompassing the stationing of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual avenue to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Backing with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was passed by a vote of thirteen in favor, with Russia and China choosing not to vote. The US envoy the US ambassador addressed the international body that it charted “a different path in the area for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the region alike”.

Compromise Phrasing on Independence

Incorporation of references to an self-governing Palestine was the concession the America paid for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to contribute stabilisation troops for the multinational unit.

“Interim measures that we begin today must be carried out in following international law and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative stated.

Netanyahu's Opposition Persists

Nevertheless, on the eve of the council decision, Israeli prime minister the Israeli leader restated his cabinet's firm resistance to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether Israel will permit the execution of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Proposal

• Swift elimination of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the strip
• Creation of an international stabilisation force
• Moves towards rebuilding and a possible “pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood”

Vague Phrasing and Stipulations

The inclusion to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which omitted it. But the phrasing is unclear and contingent, stating only that once the PA has undergone changes and the restoration of the strip is progressing, “the conditions may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood.”

Worldwide Response

The phrasing fell far short of the firm commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state 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 nations said they were ready to support the compromise in the service of prolonging the current truce and prompt actions to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

“We has eventually decided to support of this resolution, a measure that we approve its core objective, namely the continuation of the truce and the establishment of conditions allowing the Palestinian people to assert their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution grants overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” headed by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The board has to report to the United Nations but it is not required to follow the desires of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run daily administration of the Gaza and the delivery of services, but it is far from clear who would be involved.

Stabilisation Team Authority

The mandate of the global force authorizes it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in Gaza, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would be willing to face such groups. No country has so far committed itself to contributing forces.

Moreover the requirements for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they considered it urgent that the identities of the expert panel to provide utilities was settled as promptly.