UN Security Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

A Security Council has voted to endorse measures advanced by the US president for establishing a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a potential path to a Palestinian statehood.

Broad Approval with Key Abstentions

This measure was approved by a vote of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador told the international body that it set “a fresh direction in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the territory alike”.

Negotiated Language on Palestinian Statehood

Addition of allusions to an independent Palestine was the price the America offered for support from the Arab states, who are likely to provide security forces for the global force.

“Provisional steps that we start today must be executed in accordance with international law and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative declared.

Israeli Resistance Persists

Nevertheless, on the eve of the council decision, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his government’s adamant opposition to the formation of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether the Israeli government will accept the implementation of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Proposal

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on assistance into the territory
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Progress on restoration and a possible “avenue to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Unclear Wording and Stipulations

The inclusion to independence was a balanced insertion to an first US version which did not mention it. Yet the wording is vague and contingent, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has reformed itself and the reconstruction of Gaza is progressing, “the situation may eventually be in position for a realistic route to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

Global Reaction

The phrasing was insufficient of the firm commitment to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity beside Israel requested by Arab countries, 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 compromise in the benefit of continuing the present ceasefire and immediate measures to assist and secure the over two million Palestinians in Gaza.

“Our delegation has eventually decided to endorse of this document, a measure that we approve its main goal, namely the preservation of the truce and the formation of circumstances enabling the Palestinians to exercise their immeasurable rights to independence and nationhood,” the Algerian envoy declared.

Execution Hurdles

The proposal gives overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” led by Donald Trump, but of uncertain membership. This committee has to report to the UN but it is not required to follow the desires of the global organization or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run daily administration of the Gaza and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would participate.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mandate of the international stabilisation force gives it authority to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the strip, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would agree to attempt to engage such groups. None of the states has so far agreed to dispatching troops.

Furthermore the criteria for modification of Palestinian leadership, the prerequisite towards progress on independence, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the names of the specialized group to distribute aid was determined as quickly as possible.