UN Council Endorses Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Initiative

A Security Council has voted to endorse a plan presented by President Trump for achieving a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a potential avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Widespread Approval with Key Abstentions

This measure was passed by a vote of 13-0, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador informed the UN assembly that it set “a different path in the area for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the region alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Sovereignty

Addition of allusions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the US offered for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to contribute peacekeepers for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Interim measures that we embark on today must be implemented in accordance with legal norms and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative declared.

Netanyahu's Opposition Remains

Nevertheless, on the brink of the council decision, PM Benjamin Netanyahu restated his government’s strong objection to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will accept the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into the strip
• Establishment of an international stabilisation force
• Progress on reconstruction and a possible “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Ambiguous Language and Requirements

The inclusion to independence was a compromise addition to an first US version which did not mention it. But the phrasing is vague and dependent, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the restoration of the territory is under way, “the situation may eventually be in position for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and nationhood.”

International Response

The wording was insufficient of the strong guarantee to the creation of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel desired by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the chamber after the approval, envoys from those countries said they were ready to support the settlement in the interests of continuing the current truce and prompt actions to assist and secure the over two million Palestinian people in the territory.

“Algeria has finally decided to support of this resolution, a resolution that we approve its main goal, namely the preservation of the ceasefire and the establishment of conditions permitting the Palestinians to exercise their immeasurable rights to self-determination and sovereignty,” Algeria's representative stated.

Practical Difficulties

The resolution provides comprehensive monitoring control to a “stabilisation committee” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. The board has to update the UN but it is not bound by the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian leadership.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage daily administration of the territory and the distribution of aid, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The mandate of the ISF empowers it to disarm and dismantle militant organizations in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to confront such groups. No country has to date agreed to dispatching troops.

Moreover the criteria for changes to the PA, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they considered it urgent that the identities of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was determined as quickly as possible.