United Nations Council Approves Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

A UN Security Council has supported a plan put forward by the US president for securing a long-term stability in Gaza, featuring the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual route to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Approval with Key Absent Votes

The resolution was passed by a count of thirteen in favor, with Russia and China choosing not to vote. The US envoy the US ambassador told the council chamber that it set “a new course in the Middle East for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the region alike”.

Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood

Incorporation of allusions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the US paid for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are anticipated to supply security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Provisional steps that we start today must be executed in accordance with international law and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” James Kariuki stated.

Government Resistance Remains

Nonetheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, leader Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s firm resistance to the establishment of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will allow the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on assistance into Gaza
• Establishment of an international stabilisation force
• Steps toward rebuilding and a possible “pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and sovereignty”

Vague Phrasing and Requirements

The reference to independence was a balanced insertion to an original American proposal which omitted it. Yet the language is vague and dependent, stating only that once the Palestinian leadership has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the territory is advancing, “the situation may eventually be in readiness for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

Global Response

The phrasing did not meet of the firm commitment to the building of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in addresses to the chamber after the vote, representatives from those countries said they were ready to support the compromise in the interests of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to feed and protect the over two million Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Algeria has eventually decided to endorse of this text, a measure that we approve its primary aim, namely the preservation of the cessation of hostilities and the formation of conditions enabling the Palestinians to exercise their basic entitlements to independence and sovereignty,” the Algerian envoy announced.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal gives general supervisory power to a “peace board” led by Trump, but of unspecified participants. The board has to update the international body but it is not required to follow the wishes of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is supposed to run day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is highly uncertain who would take part.

Peacekeeping Unit Mandate

The mission of the international stabilisation force empowers it to disarm and dismantle fighting factions in the strip, but it is quite ambiguous that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to engage such groups. Not a single nation has yet agreed to contributing forces.

Moreover the standards for changes to the PA, the prerequisite towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been hazy.

European diplomats said they deemed it necessary that the names of the expert panel to provide utilities was agreed as promptly.