United Nations Security Council Endorses Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The global body has approved a plan advanced by President Trump for achieving a long-term stability in Gaza, featuring the deployment of an global peacekeeping force and a possible avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Widespread Support with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was adopted by a tally of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia declining to cast votes. America's representative the American delegate informed the council chamber that it set “a fresh direction in the Middle East for Israelis and Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of references to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the US agreed to for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to contribute peacekeepers for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“The transitional arrangements that we begin today must be carried out in accordance with global standards and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires stated.

Government Resistance Remains

Nevertheless, on the verge of the UN vote, leader Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his cabinet's strong objection to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will accept the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Key Provisions of the Proposal

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on relief supplies into the strip
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Steps toward restoration and a potential “route to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Ambiguous Language and Stipulations

The inclusion to independence was a balanced insertion to an first US version which excluded it. However the language is vague and dependent, promising only that once the Palestinian leadership has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is progressing, “the conditions may eventually be in place for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

International Feedback

The wording was insufficient of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel sought by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in addresses to the assembly after the decision, delegates from those states said they were ready to support the settlement in the benefit of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to assist and secure the over two million Palestinians in the strip.

“Our delegation has ultimately decided to endorse of this resolution, a measure that we support its core objective, namely the maintenance of the truce and the formation of conditions permitting the Palestinian people to assert their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Amar Bendjama stated.

Practical Difficulties

The resolution provides general supervisory power to a “board of peace” headed by the US president, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to report to the UN but it is not obligated by the wishes of the United Nations or by the PA.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage daily administration of the Gaza and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate.

Security Force Mission

The mission of the ISF empowers it to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would consent to face such organizations. None of the states has so far pledged to contributing forces.

Furthermore the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the prerequisite towards progress on independence, have been unclear.

European diplomats said they considered it urgent that the members of the specialized group to deliver services was settled as quickly as possible.