United Nations Council Endorses Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

A global body has approved a plan presented by Donald Trump for establishing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an international stabilisation force and a eventual avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Unanimous Support with Notable Abstentions

The resolution was approved by a tally of 13-0, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. Washington's diplomat Mike Waltz informed the council chamber that it charted “a new course in the area for both sides and all the inhabitants of the area alike”.

Balanced Wording on Independence

The inclusion of references to an self-governing Palestine was the price the US offered for backing from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to contribute security forces for the multinational unit.

“Provisional steps that we start today must be implemented in accordance with global standards and upholding Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Government Opposition Persists

Nonetheless, on the brink of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s strong objection to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, casting doubt on whether Israel will accept the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of ongoing restrictions on assistance into the territory
• Establishment of an global security force
• Moves towards restoration and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian independence and sovereignty”

Vague Language and Requirements

The inclusion to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which did not mention it. Yet the wording is vague and conditional, declaring only that once the Palestinian leadership has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the strip is progressing, “the situation may finally be in position for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

Global Reaction

The wording fell far short of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the assembly after the vote, representatives from those states said they were ready to support the settlement in the interests of continuing the present ceasefire and immediate measures to assist and secure the over two million Palestinians in Gaza.

“Algeria has eventually decided to support of this document, a resolution that we back its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the ceasefire and the creation of situations enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their basic entitlements to sovereignty and statehood,” Algeria's representative declared.

Practical Difficulties

This measure provides overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” chaired by Trump, but of unspecified participants. The group has to report to the UN but it is not obligated by the desires of the UN or by the PA.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the Gaza and the distribution of aid, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part.

Security Force Mission

The mandate of the global force empowers it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would be willing to face such factions. No country has so far committed itself to sending peacekeepers.

Moreover the criteria for changes to the PA, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been hazy.

European officials said they considered it urgent that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was determined as promptly.