UN Security Council Approves the US Gaza Peace Plan

A Security Council has voted to endorse proposals put forward by President Trump for establishing a lasting peace in Gaza, encompassing the introduction of an international stabilisation force and a eventual path to a Palestinian statehood.

Widespread Backing with Key Abstentions

This measure was adopted by a tally of thirteen in favor, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. Washington's diplomat the American delegate informed the council chamber that it mapped “a fresh direction in the Middle East for the conflicting parties and all the inhabitants of the area alike”.

Negotiated Language on Independence

The inclusion of mentions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the trade-off the US offered for backing from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to provide security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Interim measures that we embark on today must be executed in adhering to global standards and respecting Palestinian self-determination,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Israeli Objection Remains

Nevertheless, on the verge of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the formation of a sovereign Palestine, casting doubt on whether the Israeli government will permit the execution of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of remaining curbs on relief supplies into the territory
• Creation of an global security force
• Steps toward reconstruction and a possible “route to Palestinian independence and nationhood”

Unclear Phrasing and Stipulations

The inclusion to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which omitted it. However the language is vague and conditional, stating only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the strip is advancing, “the circumstances may finally be in position for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

Global Reaction

The phrasing was insufficient of the definite pledge to the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as EU representatives, but in addresses to the council after the approval, representatives from those nations said they were ready to support the agreement in the benefit of prolonging the present ceasefire and swift steps to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinians in the territory.

“We has ultimately decided to vote in favour of this resolution, a text that we back its core objective, namely the maintenance of the ceasefire and the creation of situations allowing the Palestinian people to assert their fundamental rights to independence and statehood,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Execution Hurdles

This measure provides overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of uncertain membership. The group has to update the United Nations but it is not required to follow the preferences of the global organization or by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it demands the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is tasked with overseeing day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Peacekeeping Unit Mission

The mandate of the global force gives it authority to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would consent to engage such organizations. No country has so far agreed to sending peacekeepers.

Furthermore the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

European diplomats said they considered it urgent that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was settled as without delay.