United Nations Security Council Backs Trump's Gaza Proposal

A Security Council has approved proposals presented by the US president for achieving a lasting peace in Gaza, including the stationing of an multinational security unit and a possible route to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Unanimous Support with Notable Absent Votes

The proposal was adopted by a count of 13-0, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative Mike Waltz addressed the council chamber that it set “a different path in the area for both sides and all the residents of the territory alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Independence

Incorporation of allusions to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the America offered for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are likely to supply peacekeepers for the multinational unit.

“The transitional arrangements that we start today must be carried out in adhering to global standards and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Government Opposition Persists

Nevertheless, on the eve of the council decision, PM Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s firm resistance to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will permit the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on assistance into Gaza
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Steps toward restoration and a eventual “route to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Ambiguous Language and Conditions

The reference to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which excluded it. But the language is unclear and contingent, declaring only that once the PA has reformed itself and the rebuilding of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in position for a credible pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood.”

International Reaction

The language did not meet of the strong guarantee to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity alongside Israel sought by Arab countries, as well as EU representatives, but in addresses to the council after the vote, envoys from those nations said they were ready to support the settlement in the service of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to assist and secure the over two million Palestinian residents in the strip.

“We has ultimately decided to vote in favour of this resolution, a text that we approve its core objective, namely the preservation of the truce and the formation of conditions permitting the Palestinian people to claim their basic entitlements to independence and statehood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Execution Hurdles

This measure gives overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” led by Trump, but of uncertain membership. The group has to report to the UN but it is not required to follow the desires of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.

It also calls for the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run routine management of the territory and the distribution of aid, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part.

Peacekeeping Unit Mandate

The mandate of the global force authorizes it to disarm and dismantle militant organizations in the territory, but it is quite ambiguous that possible sending countries would be willing to engage such groups. No country has to date agreed to dispatching troops.

Additionally the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague.

European officials said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to distribute aid was determined as promptly.