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

A UN Security Council has supported proposals advanced by President Trump for securing a long-term stability in Gaza, encompassing the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a potential route to a independent Palestine.

Widespread Support with Notable Abstentions

This measure was adopted by a tally of 13-0, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat the American delegate informed the international body that it set “a new course in the area for both sides and all the residents of the region alike”.

Compromise Wording on Palestinian Statehood

Incorporation of references to an self-governing Palestine was the concession the America paid for support from the Arab states, who are likely to contribute stabilisation troops for the multinational unit.

“Provisional steps that we begin today must be carried out in adhering to international law and respecting Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires declared.

Israeli Objection Remains

Nonetheless, on the verge of the resolution approval, PM Netanyahu reiterated his administration's firm resistance to the formation of a Palestinian state, casting doubt on whether the Israeli government will accept the execution of the UN-mandated proposals.

Central Components of the Measure

• Prompt removal of remaining curbs on relief supplies into the territory
• Formation of an global security force
• Progress on rebuilding and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Vague Phrasing and Stipulations

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which omitted it. Yet the wording is unclear and contingent, promising only that once the Palestinian leadership has reformed itself and the restoration of Gaza is under way, “the situation may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and nationhood.”

Global Response

The language was insufficient of the firm commitment to the creation of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel sought by Arab countries, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the assembly after the approval, delegates from those countries said they were ready to support the compromise in the service of prolonging the present ceasefire and swift steps to assist and secure the over two million Palestinians in the strip.

“Our delegation has eventually decided to support of this text, a text that we approve its core objective, namely the preservation of the truce and the formation of circumstances allowing the Palestinian population to exercise their immeasurable rights to independence and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Implementation Challenges

This measure grants general supervisory power to a “peace board” chaired by Trump, but of undefined composition. This committee has to inform the international body but it is not required to follow the desires of the global organization or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the Gaza Strip and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would participate.

Security Force Mission

The mission of the global force empowers it to disarm and dismantle fighting factions in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would consent to engage such factions. No country has to date committed itself to dispatching troops.

Furthermore the requirements for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been unclear.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was determined as quickly as possible.