United Nations Security Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Initiative

A global body has voted to endorse measures put forward by the US president for securing a durable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a possible avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Broad Support with Key Absent Votes

The proposal was passed by a vote of thirteen in favor, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador informed the UN assembly that it set “a new course in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the region alike”.

Balanced Language on Sovereignty

Addition of references to an self-governing Palestine was the price the United States offered for support from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to provide stabilisation troops for the multinational unit.

“Provisional steps that we begin today must be carried out in following international law and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Israeli Objection Persists

However, on the brink of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his cabinet's strong objection to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, raising questions on whether Israel will allow the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Proposal

• Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on assistance into Gaza
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Progress on rebuilding and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian independence and nationhood”

Vague Language and Requirements

The mention to sovereignty was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which omitted it. But the phrasing is unclear and conditional, stating only that once the PA has reformed itself and the rebuilding of Gaza is advancing, “the conditions may ultimately be in place for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

Worldwide Feedback

The phrasing did not meet of the strong guarantee to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity beside Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as EU representatives, but in statements to the council after the approval, envoys from those countries said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the interests of continuing the present ceasefire and prompt actions to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian people in Gaza.

“Algeria has eventually decided to support of this document, a measure that we back its main goal, namely the continuation of the truce and the formation of conditions permitting the Palestinians to exercise their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Algeria's representative announced.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution gives overall oversight authority to a “peace board” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. The board has to update the UN but it is not obligated by the desires of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.

Furthermore, it demands the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run day-to-day governance of the territory and the distribution of aid, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mission of the global force empowers it to remove and dissolve militant organizations in the strip, but it is far from clear that would-be troop contributors would consent to face such factions. Not a single nation has to date committed itself to dispatching troops.

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

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to distribute aid was settled as quickly as possible.