UN Security Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Proposal

A UN Security Council has supported measures put forward by the US president for establishing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the deployment of an multinational security unit and a eventual avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Broad Support with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was approved by a count of 13-0, with China and Russia declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat Mike Waltz informed the UN assembly that it set “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the people of the region alike”.

Balanced Wording on Independence

Incorporation of references to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the US paid for support from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to provide security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Provisional steps that we embark on today must be implemented in accordance with international law and honoring Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative declared.

Netanyahu's Resistance Continues

Nonetheless, on the verge of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s firm resistance to the establishment of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether Israel will permit the implementation of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Prompt removal of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the territory
• Creation of an international stabilisation force
• Moves towards restoration and a possible “avenue to Palestinian sovereignty and sovereignty”

Vague Wording and Requirements

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an original American proposal which omitted it. Yet the language is vague and contingent, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the reconstruction of Gaza is advancing, “the conditions may ultimately be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

Global Response

The language did not meet of the definite pledge to the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel requested by Arab countries, as well as European council members, but in statements to the chamber after the vote, envoys from those countries said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the benefit of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to assist and secure the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

“Our delegation has ultimately decided to vote in favour of this resolution, a resolution that we back its primary aim, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of situations enabling the Palestinians to claim their basic entitlements to independence and sovereignty,” Algeria's representative declared.

Practical Difficulties

This measure gives comprehensive monitoring control to a “stabilisation committee” led by Donald Trump, but of uncertain membership. The group has to inform the international body but it is not required to follow the desires of the global organization or by the Palestinian leadership.

Furthermore, it demands the creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is tasked with overseeing day-to-day governance of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would be involved.

Peacekeeping Unit Mission

The mandate of the international stabilisation force empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in Gaza, but it is quite ambiguous that would-be troop contributors would consent to engage such groups. No country has so far committed itself to sending peacekeepers.

Additionally the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the prerequisite towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was agreed as promptly.